The internet has truly changed the way we function in the modern world. Nowadays, people use it to uncover new information, engage with literature from all over the world, get in contact with old friends, and make new ones, and even find work. However, the one thing everybody uses the world wide web for is entertainment.

When it comes to online entertainment, one industry has been doing immensely well for itself. We are of course referencing the sports betting market. With online sportsbooks growing in popularity, a lot of new people are discovering the betting exchange market, as well as traditional betting. However, what many may not be aware of are all of the different betting options online.

Sports Betting

When most people hear the term “betting,” the first thing that comes to mind is sports. Indeed, sports and betting go hand in hand. Since the oldest human civilizations, people have been placing wagers on athletic competitions, be that boxing, foot races, horse races, or even gladiatorial combat. Of course, nowadays, online sportsbooks work a bit differently than what we may be used to.

First of all, internet bookies are much more accessible. Not only are they literally easy to access, as all you need to do is create an account and start wagering, but they are also incredibly newbie friendly. Most of them offer tips, cover a broad range of sports, offer some pretty incredible bonuses, and have thorough terms and conditions, that explain how they operate. Among the most popular sports to bet on today are football, golf, cricket, basketball, etc.

But, a lot of people are not interested in sports. Many of them give up on the idea of betting, though it may sound appealing, simply because they have no interest in football or basketball, for example. Many of these people may have walked away too soon. While sports are the most popular betting market, they are not the only one. 

Politics Betting

We can choose to participate in the world of sports. However, nobody can choose to participate in the political sphere. Having thoughts and opinions about politics is pretty much part and parcel of living in a modern society. While many may find it tedious or boring, there is no denying that, in some way, they participate in the world of politics.

Online betting shops have found a way to make politics just a touch more interesting; namely, by creating odds on it. Betting odds for politics work just as you might imagine them to. The odd makers analyze voter data, poll data, and approval ratings, and distill that information into numbers which they then apply to each of the candidates.

When it comes to betting on politics, the most popular event is, of course, the American presidential election. The whole world watches the pageantry involved there, so of course, a lot more people are betting on it, than most other countries’ elections. However, there are also some rather exciting prop bets that bookies often think up when an election rolls around.

Professional Wrestling Betting

Politics may affect us all, but there are those who don’t believe in betting on something as serious as the future of the country. So, instead, let us take a look at the niche market of professional wrestling. Despite the name, professional wrestling is not actually a sport, but rather a sort of mixture of scripted entertainment and actual martial arts. Still, it has a huge audience worldwide.

Many might be asking themselves, how bookmakers can create odds for pro wrestling, when everything is scripted and fake? The answer is that it all comes down to different set of sensibilities. In sports proper, the odds are based on past performances and skill. In professional wrestling, odds makers take note of the drama, past storylines, and set ups that would most appeal to the broadest audience.

Of course, as far as betting is concerned, the most popular organization in professional wrestling is the WWE, with the most popular event being Wrestlemania. For those who don’t know, Wrestlemania is an annual pay-per-view tournament, that sees match after match of some of the most beloved wrestlers clashing in what can only be described as a cheesy, yet oddly satisfying spectacle. 

Music Competitions Betting

We looked at a niche market, so let us now return to something that everyone enjoys; music. The diversity of musical genres has led to diverging tastes. Some people enjoy the top charting songs, while others listen exclusively to underground experimental projects. Whatever the case may be, when certain music events come around, most people tune in.

The popularity of music competitions has attracted the attention of quite a lot of bookmakers. By analyzing the popular music tastes of the day, bookies craft odds regarding which of the songs is going to do better with the crowd. Sometimes, hyper pop takes the cake, while other times it is hip hop or soft rock. There have even been times when hard rock and heavy metal were the most popular genres.

In terms of betting popularity, there is no music competition that attracts more fans (and bettors) than the Eurovision. The annual event sees musical artists from all over Europe (and beyond) come together and put on spectacular performances that promise to enthrall, enamor, and sadly sometimes even disappoint the international audience. 

Television Betting

For the final section, we are looking at something that most people are quite aware of; television. What many might find surprising is that bookies do craft odds for popular television shows. Not just reality TV competitions either, but actual scripted shows that get audiences to theorize and plan for what will happen next.

Again, many might be surprised, as usually we don’t associate scripted television with betting. But, think about the time between seasons. We often wait and see what is going to happen next, and theorize about the possibilities. Odds makers do the same thing. A very popular TV-based prop bet was “Who is going to be the next to die,” an odd created for the hit show, Game of Thrones, which captured the hearts and minds of the entire world.