10 Unusual Sports You Didn’t Know You Could Bet On

When most people think of sports betting, the first things that come to mind are football, basketball, or horse racing. However, the world of wagering has expanded far beyond traditional arenas. Today, betting opportunities exist for everything from obscure competitions to downright bizarre contests. If you’re looking to try something off the beaten path, here are 10 unusual sports you probably didn’t know you could bet on.

1. Drone Racing

High-speed, obstacle-filled courses, agile drones, and a rapidly growing fanbase make drone racing an electrifying sport for bettors. Leagues such as the Drone Racing League (DRL) now attract sponsorships, live audiences, and extensive online streaming, turning it into a truly global phenomenon. With many of the best online sportsbooks, especially offshore ones, offering not just exclusive features and special event perks, but also a wide variety of betting options, including race winners, podium finishes, and even specific lap times, fans can enjoy a seamless, engaging experience enhanced by user-friendly interfaces, live updates, and competitive odds.

2. Competitive Eating

Competitive eating might seem like an odd spectacle to bet on, but the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) has formalized many events, including the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Bettors can wager on who will eat the most hot dogs, the margin of victory, or whether a record will be broken. While it’s not for everyone, competitive eating combines strategy, speed, and sheer stomach capacity, making it surprisingly engaging for betting purposes.

3. Chess

Chess, one of the world’s most popular board games, has long been associated with quiet strategy rather than high-stakes betting. However, it has recently emerged as a surprising contender in the wagering world. Online sportsbooks now offer odds on major tournaments like the World Chess Championship. Bettors can place wagers on match winners, total number of moves, or even which player will deliver checkmate first. The rise of online streaming and chess influencers has transformed this classic game into a globally followed event, making chess betting both unexpected and surprisingly engaging.

4. Quidditch

Inspired by the Harry Potter series, real-life quidditch has evolved into a coed sport with teams across the U.S. and around the world. Players run with brooms between their legs while scoring points with balls, combining elements of rugby, dodgeball, and tag. Sportsbooks offering niche sports betting now provide odds on major tournaments, league champions, and match outcomes. While magical in origin, quidditch betting is very real.

5. Axe Throwing

Axe throwing leagues have exploded in popularity across the U.S., transforming what was once a backyard pastime into a competitive sport. Bettors can place wagers on league matches, tournament winners, or head-to-head competitions. The combination of precision, strength, and nerve makes axe throwing both thrilling to watch and fun to bet on.

6. Arm Wrestling

Arm wrestling has evolved from casual basement matches into a highly organized sport, complete with professional leagues, major tournaments, and televised events—especially in the U.S., where betting has grown alongside its popularity. Fans can wager on match winners, set scores, and tournament champions, often turning to the U.S. Armwrestling Rankings for insight into the top competitors across the country. The combination of raw strength, precise technique, and intense rivalries makes every match unpredictable and exciting, offering bettors a dynamic and immersive experience from start to finish.

7. Lawn Mower Racing

Yes, people actually race lawn mowers—and yes, you can bet on it. Lawn mower racing involves modified mowers competing on dirt tracks, often reaching impressive speeds. It’s a quirky but organized sport with regional competitions. Wagers can focus on race winners, podium finishes, or even novelty bets such as the fastest lap. It’s part motorsport, part whimsy—a winning combination for unusual betting markets.

8. Sepak Takraw

Popular in Southeast Asia, sepak takraw is a volleyball-like game played with a rattan ball, where players use only their feet, head, knees, and chest to hit the ball over the net. It’s fast-paced, acrobatic, and highly entertaining to watch. For adventurous bettors, sportsbooks occasionally offer lines on international tournaments, match winners, and point totals, making this thrilling aerial sport an unusual but viable betting option.

9. Tug of War

Once an Olympic sport, tug of war has largely faded from mainstream competition but still thrives in international events and strongman competitions. Betting markets exist for major tournaments, including world championships. Bettors can wager on which team will pull the hardest, the margin of victory, or total rounds. The combination of teamwork, raw strength, and strategy creates a surprisingly competitive spectacle.

10. Underwater Hockey

Also known as “octopush,” underwater hockey is played at the bottom of a swimming pool with a puck and small sticks. While it may sound impossible, it’s a fully organized sport with international championships. Bettors can wager on match winners, total points, or even which team scores first. The unusual environment and unexpected athleticism make it a truly unique addition to the betting landscape.

Why Bet on Unusual Sports?

Betting on unconventional sports is appealing because of their unpredictability and novelty. Unlike mainstream sports with heavily analyzed stats, unusual competitions offer opportunities for creative strategies and fun wagers. They also let fans explore games they might never have considered, adding knowledge and excitement. As sports betting grows, more niche competitions are becoming available, from chess to underwater hockey, making these unusual sports a thrilling and surprisingly rewarding way to spice up your betting routine.

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