There is nothing quite as satisfying as a little flutter on your favourite sport – whether it’s during a day at the races, or from the comfort of your own home. But, with the 2020 sporting calendar having all but ground to an unexpected halt – albeit for an extremely important and necessary reason – many keen gamblers are finding that their favourite pastime has been temporarily curtailed.
For many, the adrenaline that comes with placing a big bet and, if your luck happens to be in on the day, raking in the big bucks in return is a feeling unrivalled by any other, and during an unexpected and prolonged period spent at home, more people than ever are looking to entertainment for a fun way to pass the time.
So, what can you do to get your fill during this unusual set of circumstances?
Thankfully, with several sporting events still happening around the world, there are plenty of things you can still go ahead and place your money on, and the current situation provides an interesting opportunity to think outside the box. Be prepared to bet on games and races you never have done before, because with any luck, you might be rewarded with a princely sum.
We’ve rounded up some of the best sporting events that are still happening this year, so if you’re keen to while away the extra time in quarantine with a little light relief in the form of betting, then look no further. You can even work out what you might just pocket if your bet does come in with the help of this excellent and easy to use online betting calculator.
Horse racing
With all horse racing events for the foreseeable future now suspended across Europe, many people are now turning to the USA, Australia and Hong Kong to get their dose of edge-of-the-seat action.
In America, the Tampa Bay Downs and Santa Anita are still holding meets, while in Australia, April remains one of the busiest months of the racing calendar, with key events set to be held throughout.
Racing in South Africa is also continuing, with live streams available on all the leading sportsbooks.
Football
Whilst, once again, football has been brought to a standstill across Europe, this isn’t the case across the board, so while the customary betting on the likes of the Premier League and La Liga might be out the window, you can still have a flutter on the great sport elsewhere. Club football in Belarus, for example, is still going strong, and though you may need to brush up on your knowledge of the national teams, it’s a great opportunity to still get your fill of the action.
Some of the leading sportsbooks are offering increased markets for these divisions, with bets able to be placed on match winner, both teams to score and more. Many of these fixtures are set to be live streamed on bookmakers’ websites, giving you the opportunity to get up there in the thick of the action.
Casino
If the limited remaining sports fixtures aren’t quite tickling your fancy, then there is always the chance to have a flutter in the casino instead – if only from the comfort of your own home. With a plethora of high-stakes online casinos still open for business, you can easily access all of your favourite games – from roulette to blackjack, and a range of other classics.
With live and automated games happening every day, there are significant returns to be made, all leading sportsbooks now have a casino section on their apps and websites, making it even easier to place your bets now.
Esports
Didn’t know e-sports was a thing? You’re not alone – but you might be surprised to know that it’s one of the most lucrative businesses in the world. And best of all? These fixtures will all continue as planned. With over a billion video game players worldwide, many of whom are now confined to their homes, there couldn’t be a better time for a sporting event of this kind.
Popular betting options currently include the E-soccer Team Cup – a fun FIFA tournament set up by two-league side, Leyton Orient – and best of all, it’s all for a good cause. The money raised will be spilt 75%/25%, with the larger proportion going to the EFL and the remainder being split between MIND and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fundraiser.
Other upcoming events to look out for include the Overleague 2020, E-League 2020 and Flashpoint Season 1.
All leading sportsbooks are now offering markets on this and other e-sports events – so why not get involved?
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
