8 Unusual Topics You Can Place Bets On
While the mainstream betting world revolves around sports, politics, and even TV talent shows, there’s a whole universe of unexpected options. Across the globe, creative gamblers and imaginative bookmakers have made it possible to wager money on some truly outlandish events. Here’s a look at eight of the weirdest, most unconventional things you could ever bet on.
Wagering on Alien Encounters
The curiosity about life on other planets isn’t just a sci-fi trope—it’s also fueling betting markets. Many bookmakers now offer odds on when humanity may formally confirm the existence of extraterrestrial life. Bets are available on a range of years, sometimes as soon as the next calendar year, or well into the future.
Given how unlikely some consider alien contact, these wagers might seem far-fetched. Still, the fascination with space and the unknown has turned this speculative topic into a surprising profit center for betting companies.
Cheese-Rolling Races: Hilltop Mayhem for Money
Cheese-rolling is exactly what it sounds like: contestants chase wheels of cheese down a notoriously steep and hazardous hill. Whoever crosses the finish line first—tumbling, somersaulting, or running—wins. Despite unsuccessful efforts to get the event Olympic recognition, this British tradition continues to attract daring participants, enthusiastic spectators, and of course, eager gamblers. Betting on outcomes and spectacular falls is almost as much of a tradition as the race itself.
Betting on WWE Outcomes
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is staged entertainment with outcomes scripted for maximum drama. But that hasn’t stopped betting sites from offering odds on match results. To protect their markets, bookies are vigilant about potential leaks; if insider information is suspected, markets may be suspended or payouts reduced. Despite its predetermined nature, betting on wrestling matches remains both odd and popular among fans.
Bog Snorkelling Competitions: Diving into Mud for Glory
Most sports require pristine fields or clear waters—but not bog snorkelling. Each year in the UK, participants suit up to swim through a trench of muddy, murky water using snorkels and flippers. The goal? Complete two lengths of the trench faster than anyone else. This muddy challenge draws hundreds of competitors from around the world—and its own set of betting markets. Even ice cream brands and betting companies have once sponsored these quirky championships.
Pesapallo: Finland’s Unique National Pastime
Though it might sound like a culinary delight, pesapallo is Finland’s beloved bat-and-ball sport, sometimes described as a cross between baseball and rounders. This energetic game has found fans not just in Finland but also in Australia, Germany, and Switzerland. While global odds rarely feature pesapallo, bookmakers in Northern Europe do occasionally offer lines on major tournaments, giving fans one more reason to tune in.
Floorball: Indoor Hockey with Growing Betting Action
Originating in Sweden during the 1960s, floorball blends elements of hockey and lacrosse, and is played indoors with lightweight sticks and plastic balls. Its appeal has spread widely across Europe, Australia, North America, and Asia. As floorball’s popularity surges, more betting sites are starting to offer odds on its matches—especially during international and European competitions.
Ferret Bingo: An Animal with a Winning Streak
Animal-assisted predictions aren’t new, as famous creatures like Paul the Octopus have made headlines for picking World Cup winners. Ferret bingo takes it a step further, where a ferret is placed in a specially designed cage with multiple numbered exit tunnels. The first tunnel the ferret chooses becomes the winning number—bets are placed accordingly. Although there have been allegations of tunnel tampering in the past, devoted fans hope that stricter oversight keeps the fun (and wagers) fair.
Wife-Carrying Challenges: The Race for the Finish (and Bragging Rights)
This unconventional sport originated as a lighthearted spectacle but has grown into a serious competition: the annual World Wife-Carrying Championship. Teams—usually a man carrying a woman, often his own wife—navigate a challenging obstacle course in the shortest possible time, all while bookmakers take in wagers on the fastest finishers. Despite its humorous beginnings, wife-carrying is treated with the seriousness and intensity of any international sporting event.
Conclusion: Betting Beyond the Ordinary
From cheese-rolling to UFOs, betting has long pushed the boundaries of convention. These unusual markets prove there’s no limit to the imagination of both punters and bookmakers. If you’re seeking a new way to spice up your betting strategy or simply want to marvel at the breadth of human creativity, these bizarre betting options are a testament to the unexpected places where chance and competition meet.
