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When you hear the words “sports betting,” you probably picture the classics: predicting which team will win, the match score, or the number of goals. But bookmakers are a creative bunch, and around the world you can find betting options so odd you might wonder, “Does this even count as a sport?” Let’s take a look at some of the strangest ones.
1. The Color of the Card or the Referee’s Uniform
Yes, you can bet not only on who will get a card, but also on its color. Sometimes bookmakers even let you guess the referee’s uniform color. It may sound silly, but there are fans who seriously analyze referee statistics for this.
2. Who Will Make the First Substitution
In football, hockey, and even basketball, you can bet on which team will send in a fresh player first. Coaching habits and even the weather matter here — in hot conditions, substitutions tend to happen earlier.
3. A Cyclist’s Fall in the Tour de France
Cycling is risky, and bookmakers sometimes offer bets on whether a specific rider will fall during a certain stage. It sounds bizarre, but for fans who track crash statistics, it’s a logical bet.
4. The Color of the Drink Poured on the Coach
In American football, it’s a tradition for the winning team to drench the coach with a huge container of drink (often Gatorade) at the end of a game. You can bet on the color — orange, blue, yellow, or green.
5. A Penalty for Fighting
In hockey or rugby, you can sometimes bet on whether players will be penalized specifically for fighting rather than for technical fouls. Fans who know the fiery tempers of certain athletes often guess this right.
6. An Animal on the Field
Some bookmakers take bets on whether a dog, cat, or even a bird will run onto the field. You’d be surprised how often this happens — especially in countries with open stadiums and warmer climates.
7. The Fastest Pit Stop
In Formula 1, you can bet on which team will perform the fastest pit stop. Hardcore fans study the mechanics’ stats to predict the winners in this micro-category.
8. An Athlete’s Emotions
You can bet on whether a footballer will raise their arms to the crowd after a goal, whether a tennis player will throw their racket in anger, or if a figure skater will smile after their performance. This too is part of betting.
9. The Weather During the Match
In cricket, golf, or football, you can bet on whether it will rain, snow, or be very windy during the game. This is especially popular in countries with unpredictable weather.
10. Unusual Records
Sometimes bookmakers come up with exotic bets: who will be the first in the season to score a header from the halfway line, or whether an own goal will be scored from a penalty.
Why This All Works
The secret is simple: sports aren’t just about the result, they’re full of little details that make the game feel alive. Bookmakers know how to turn those details into excitement. Even the strangest bets have their own logic and audience.