When you think about sports betting, you probably think of football, basketball, boxing, horse racing, baseball, hockey, and all the leagues that come with it. These sports dominate when it comes to modern sports betting, especially as the major pro leagues partner with sportsbooks and make their brand larger than they have ever been before.
But outside of all those massively popular sports are the niche ones that offer many bets. We are talking about the smaller sports that may not get as much love as the major ones but are still there for us to bet on. There are pros and cons to betting on niche sports and there are things that must be considered before you lay down the bets.
Pros of Betting on Niche Sports
Because you aren’t dealing with the NFL and NBAs of the world, niche sports are typically not as popular as more mainstream sports, which means that there is less competition among bettors. This can make it easier to find value in the betting market and potentially increase your chances of winning.
Niche sports can offer unique betting opportunities that are not available with more mainstream sports. For example, esports competitions can be won by a wide variety of different teams, while traditional sports teams like football and basketball are often dominated by a small number of elite teams.
Niche sports tend to have less betting action, which means that the odds on offer can be more favorable for the bettor. Betting on niche sports can add variety to your gambling experience, and can be a way to keep things fresh and interesting.
Cons of Betting on Niche Sports
Just as there are pros with betting on an unusual sport, there are cons that come along with that.
Niche sports tend to receive less media coverage than more mainstream sports, which can make it more difficult to find information about teams, players, and upcoming events. This can make it harder to make informed betting decisions.
These smaller sports tend to have fewer betting options available compared to more mainstream sports. This can limit the types of bets you can make and the potential returns you can earn.
Let’s not forget that some of these smaller leagues and competitions aren’t run by massive companies that are basically conglomerates which means niche sports can be more volatile, as the outcome of a match can be affected by a variety of factors such as injuries, team dynamics, and even weather conditions. These things aren’t always checked out or perfected by the organizations running them.
Popular Niche Sports to Bet on
Esports: The world of competitive video gaming has exploded in popularity in recent years, and with it, the opportunity to gamble on esports competitions. Some popular esports to bet on include League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch.
Darts: Darts is a popular sport in the UK and Europe, and it has a dedicated following of fans who enjoy betting on the outcome of matches. The sport is also gaining popularity in the US.
Handball: Handball is a sport that is popular in Europe and South America, and it offers a variety of betting opportunities. Handball matches can be high-scoring and fast-paced, making for exciting gambling opportunities.
Curling: Curling is a sport that is typically associated with colder climates, such as Canada and the northern US. It’s a sport that is growing in popularity and offers unique betting opportunities, as the outcome of curling matches can be difficult to predict.
Gaelic Football: Gaelic football is a sport that is popular in Ireland and it is a combination of traditional Irish games and soccer. It is a sport that has a dedicated following and offers unique betting opportunities.
Aussie Rules Football: Aussie Rules Football is a sport that is popular in Australia and it is a combination of traditional Australian games and soccer. It is a sport that has a dedicated following and offers unique betting opportunities.
Squash: Squash is an indoor racket sport that is similar to tennis. It is a fast-paced sport that is gaining popularity and offers unique betting opportunities.
Biathlon: Biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. It’s a sport that is popular in Europe, particularly in countries such as Norway, Germany, and Russia, and it offers unique betting opportunities.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
It might not be what you’re used to betting on, but it’s time that you step out of your comfort zone and check out a niche sport to gamble on. Of course, do your homework and make sure you actually understand what it is you’re actually putting a wager on. But the pros far outweigh the cons in our opinion and who knows, you might just find your new favorite sport.
