While mainstream sports betting continues to win the popularity contests, exploring unusual sports can open up a whole new world of excitement and possibilities for bettors.
From ancient games with cultural significance to modern technological spectacles, there’s no shortage of unique sports to try and engage with.
Join us as we explore the wonderful, weird, and even wacky oddball sports people are betting on for fun and real money winnings.
Drone Racing
Drone racing is a hi-tech sport that involves pilots using remote controlled drones to navigate through intricate courses at breakneck speeds.
The thrill of watching these tiny machines weave through obstacles and execute daring manoeuvers has captured the attention of adrenaline junkies the world over.
Just like with betting on traditional motorsports like F1 and MotoGP, understanding the pilots’ skill levels, drone capabilities, and track conditions can give you a competitive edge over your fellow sports bettors.
Chess
Regarded by some as a game of intellect rather than a sport, chess has emerged as a popular betting option for those who appreciate the strategic depth and mental prowess required to excel in the game.
Betting on chess tournaments, especially high-profile competitions like the World Chess Championship, can be intellectually stimulating as well as financially very rewarding.
Those who stand out as winning bettors know the value of assessing players’ historical performance, playing styles, and current form in making smart wagers in this mentally challenging sport.
Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling is where tradition meets brute strength.
The sport hails from Japan and is steeped in tradition and ritual.
It involves two hefty wrestlers, or “rikishi,” attempting to force each other out of a circular ring or make them touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet.
Betting on Sumo tournaments can be a fascinating cultural experience for those interested in beating the bookmakers.
Underwater Hockey
If you’ve ever wondered how hockey would look played underwater with snorkels and fins—you’ve come to the right place.
Underwater hockey involves teams pushing a weighted puck across the bottom of a swimming pool, aiming to score goals in the opposing team’s tray.
What’s more, with limited visibility and unique challenges, underwater hockey offers a distinctive NZ sports betting experience.
If you’re looking for a betting adventure with a twist, underwater hockey might just be exactly what you’ve been craving.
Sepak Takraw
Sepak Takraw, also known as “kick volleyball”, is a sport that perfectly combines various elements of volleyball and soccer.
It originated in Southeast Asia and involves players volleying a ball made of rattan by using their chest, knees and feet. Just like with traditional volleyball, a net separates the playing field.
No hands are allowed to touch the ball.
Sepak Takraw is a sport that involves a fair bit of acrobatic flair, and agility is important to players who want to excel.
Kabaddi
Originating in ancient India, Kabaddi is a fast-paced and physically demanding team sport that is now played competitively in various countries, particularly in South Asia. ‘
The game involves two teams, with each taking turns to send a “raider” into the opposing team’s half to tag as many defenders as possible and return safely to their side, all while holding their breath and chanting “kabaddi.”
While each team typically consists of twelve players, only seven are allowed on the field at any given time. This brings about an interesting twist for sports bettors.