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For the first time in the 55-year history of the Special Olympics, fans and viewers will be able to wager on the beloved international sporting event.
This week, BetOnline penned another chapter in the betting annals as we became the first sportsbook ever to offer odds on the Special Olympics World Games, which will be held in Berlin from June 17-25.
Betting odds are being offered for a dozen Special Olympics competitions across these six sports:
Athletics (Track & Field)
Basketball
Cycling
Powerlifting
Soccer (Football)
Swimming
Forbes Zach Jones asks if this is a good thing?
He describes those taking part as adults and children with intellectual disabilities who range from gifted, world-class competitors to average athletes to those with limited physical ability.
He also asks why anyone would be bothered by the idea of offering wagering on the Special Olympics.
"Why not the Special Olympics? This would seem to be a win-win-win for everyone except those who complain for a hobby or profession."
Non-mainstream sports such as lacrosse, auto racing and table tennis have experienced exponential growth over the last five years due to the ability to watch and wager, he adds.
“There’s nothing gimmicky about these odds,” BetOnline Brand Manager, Edward Knight, tells ESPN South Florida. “Just like any other sport, we’ve created Special Olympics odds behind weeks and weeks of research. These are incredibly-skilled athletes competing on an even playing field, and our oddsmakers will give these World Games the same level of attention and respect as the Super Bowl.”
Recent industry reports have showed that people are as much as 76% more likely to watch a sporting event if they have placed a wager on the event. That is a win/win for both the sports and betting companies like BetOnline for sure.
- Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
