When it comes to sports betting, many people automatically think of football, basketball, or horse racing. Those are some of the most popular sports to bet on, so we get it. But there’s a whole other world out there waiting to be discovered — niche sports! These sports offer unique opportunities, exciting gameplay, and, often, better odds.
Betting on these less mainstream markets can be quite an experience, especially when you know where to place your bets.
Jai Alai, often dubbed as the fastest ball game in the world, is a sport that hails from the Basque region of Spain and France. For the uninitiated, it’s actually pronounced “hy uh ly,” just so you can sound like you know what you’re talking about.
The game is similar to racquetball but played with a curved basket (called a “cesta”) that players use to catch and hurl a ball at speeds that can top out at well over 180 mph. The ball, called a “pelota,” is harder than a golf ball, and the game itself is a high-speed spectacle that’s as exciting as it is dangerous.
Our favorite place to bet on Jai Alai is at Bet365. Because the sport is less known, there’s a chance to find value in the odds, especially if you dig in and research the game and the players.
The most common bets in Jai Alai include predicting the winner of a match, the winner of a tournament, or even betting on the point spread. These are typical bets you’ll find on more mainstream sports as well.
Since the game is fast-paced, live betting can be fairly exciting but equally as challenging. Nonetheless, it’s tons of fun.
Think Jai Alai is the niche sport for you? Head over to Bet365 and load up your bet slip.
Mountain unicycling is exactly what it sounds like — riders take on rugged mountain terrain on a single-wheel unicycle. While it’s probably not for everyone to try, it’s definitely worthy of a place on your bet slip.
It’s a sport that requires incredible balance, strength, and endurance. Unlike mountain biking, where riders can rely on multiple gears and a stable frame, unicyclists must maintain their balance on some of the most challenging trails, making every ride a test of skill and nerve.
DraftKings is one of the few online sportsbooks that has tapped into this growing sport. They offer betting options that cater to the thrill-seekers out there.
Betting on mountain unicycling mostly involves predicting the outcome of races, which can be surprisingly unpredictable given the nature of the sport. Just like the ride itself, the betting might not be for the faint of heart. Riders can (and usually do) wipe out at any moment due to a loss of balance. This makes underdogs a real possibility, which is great for betting if you want to win big.
When betting on mountain unicycling, it’s important to consider the course difficulty, weather conditions, and the riders’ experience. Like any other sport, this will require some research on your part. Some riders excel on technical trails, while others may perform better on faster, smoother courses. Keep an eye on the training routines and past performances to make informed bets.
If you’ve got a strong stomach for a bet like this, head over to DraftKings and place a bet. The best part of this niche sport, if you can find it, is watching it live as the action unfolds.
Darts might seem like a game you’d play in a pub, well, we sure do; however, at the professional level, it’s one of the most competitive and skillful sports you’ll ever find. Extreme precision, focus, and mental toughness are extremely important as players aim to score points by hitting specific sections of the dartboard. There are tons of different games, the most common being 501, where players start with 501 points and subtract their score until they reach exactly zero.
Fortunately, if you want to get in on the action and place your bets, BetMGM offers a variety of betting options for darts. This makes it a great choice for fans of the sport.
You can bet on the winner of a match, the correct score, or even specific outcomes, such as whether a player will hit a 180, which is the highest score possible in a single round.
The pace of darts matches is relatively quick, making it one of the more exciting sports for live betting.
The key to betting on darts is understanding the form and consistency of the players. Sure, you might find some players have an “off” day, but generally, if you research them, you’ll get to know their style. Some players are known for their ability to handle pressure, while others might struggle in front of a large crowd or during huge tournaments.
Checking out player statistics, head-to-head records, and recent performances can often give you an edge over the house.
Jump over to BetMGM, see who’s throwing today, and place a bet!
There’s a good chance that you’re familiar with cricket but have never placed a bet. We can’t say we blame you. Cricket, while immensely popular in countries like India, England, and Australia, still remains a niche sport for many bettors in the US. It’s a game of strategy, endurance, and skill, with various formats ranging from the traditional five-day Test matches to the fast-paced Twenty20 (T20) games that last just a few hours. These different formats give you a lot of betting options.
Fortunately, if you want to be part of the action, DraftKings provides the perfect platform for cricket betting. They cover everything from domestic leagues to international tournaments. Of all of the sportsbooks we bet on, they definitely have the most options for Cricket.
Betting on Cricket involves predicting outcomes like match winners, top run-scorers, top wicket-takers, or even the number of runs scored in an over. If those terms sound confusing, we recommend getting up to speed on this niche sport before diving in.
One of the most exciting aspects of cricket betting is the variety of in-play options. These allow you to place bets live as the game progresses.
It’s crucial to understand the format being played if you want to be successful with Cricket betting. The pitch conditions and the teams’ strengths and weaknesses all play a role in the outcome of each match. For instance, some teams might excel in T20 cricket with aggressive batting, while others might dominate in Test matches with their solid defense and bowling attack.
Just like any traditional sport, there are plenty of betting options. Get up to speed and check out the Cricket bets over at DraftKings.
Esports has exploded in popularity over the past decade. This isn’t necessarily a single sport but more of a collective of various online games that involve professional players competing, and the level of skill and strategy involved is comparable to traditional sports.
These are some of the more popular sports you can bet on—
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). CS:GO is by far the most popular Esports title for betting, featuring tons of tournaments like the ESL Pro League and Major Championships, attracting a large betting audience.
League of Legends (LoL). With a massive global following, League of Legends offers numerous betting markets, especially during its World Championships. Its steep competitiveness makes it one of the favorites for many bettors.
Fortnite. Fortnite features regular tournaments, including the Fortnite Championship Series, making it extremely popular for bettors.
Apex Legends. With multiple annual tournaments, Apex Legends is like a never-ending flow of betting options.
Rainbow Six Siege. Although it has fewer tournaments than some of the other titles we mentioned, events like the Six Invitational draw a huge following and lots of bettors.
Rocket League. Known for its unique gameplay, Rocket League features numerous tournaments throughout the year. This makes it a popular choice for bettors looking for a little something different.
Bet365 is one of the best places to bet on Esports, offering markets on a wide range of games and tournaments. However, these days, almost all major online sportsbooks offer Esports betting, and we just happen to like Bet365 the most for these.
You can place bets on match winners, tournament outcomes, or even specific in-game events, like which team will win the first map or get the first kill. There are literally tons of options out there.
The key to successful Esports betting is staying updated with the teams and players. Unlike traditional sports, Esports teams can change their rosters frequently. Player form, like in other sports, can fluctuate based on numerous factors, including the release of game updates or changes in team dynamics.
Betting on niche sports can be a rewarding experience if you know what you’re doing and you go into them with the right research. They offer not just the chance to win but also the opportunity to engage in unique and exciting sports, which makes them tons of fun.
Each of the sports covered here offers something different, from the high-speed intensity of Jai Alai to the strategic depth of Cricket. Maybe you want a sport you can get into, and then Esports might be your thing.
By doing your research and understanding the specifics of each sport, you can make informed bets and enjoy the thrill that comes with betting on something outside the mainstream.