Throughout the year there are numerous major sporting events that people want to get their hands on. Whether it is football, Formula 1 or rugby, there is plenty to choose from. As well as these traditional sports, numerous other leagues and competitions that people either choose to follow or support are emerging, such as the MLB, NFL and NBA. The huge popularity of these sports coupled with huge jackpots and bookies’ odds mean that it is always a competitive field when it comes to placing a wager or what some people have termed’sports betting’. It is therefore essential to find the best odds and make the right calculations before placing a bet to ensure that you place the right one for your needs.
Formula 1
One of the major sporting events that draws support from all around the world is Formula 1. Whether you are an enthusiast or just like to follow the news, everyone will have heard of Formula 1. The championship regularly breaks records for viewership with up to 12 million people across the globe currently tuned into a race. Thanks to its incredible popularity, nearly every sporting event and football match in the world is influenced by the results of a Formula 1 race.
This year’s championship is set to be one of the most exciting in history. Twelve new teams will be competing for the championship, headlined by the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. The current constructors’ champion, Mercedes, will be looking to defend their title with their new star driver, Vettel. If that wasn’t exciting enough, the championship will be decided based on who can finish first, who can finish second and, in some races, who can actually complete the race. This is completely different to previous years where winning was often the only option. It should make for some fantastic television.
Rugby
For those outside of the UK who didn’t know, rugby is commonly referred to as “the other football”. The similarities between the two sports are incredible: the size of the stadiums, the tackles, the aerial attacks, and, of course, the end-product. However, while football is considered to be a “real sport” in the UK, rugby is often looked down upon as being a “game for gentlemen only”. This is mainly because of the unique scoring system in rugby – three points for a try, two points for a conversion and one point for a drop goal. This results in a lot more scoring opportunities in rugby than football, and as such, makes the game more exciting.
This year’s Six Nations Championship, which pits England against Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy, is set to be one of the most exhilarating tournaments in recent memory. Current champions England will be looking to defend their title, while Scotland and Ireland will be hoping to upset the odds and claim Grand Slam glory. England have never won the Six Nations in their history, while the green team have only claimed the title on one occasion, in 2000. This undoubtedly makes it the most exciting Championship in years, and one that people around the world will be tuning in to see.
Baseball
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the US, attracting huge support and interest. The Major League Baseball season is another example of a sport that is followed and supported particularly avidly in the US. The combination of exceptional American cuisine, professional baseball players and live game broadcasts makes for an exciting combination which draws interest worldwide.
Interestingly, while most other sports fans will be looking to place a wager on their favorite team to win, baseball fans are more frequently found placing wagers on the opposite teams, as a means of supporting their rivals. It is a unique perspective which certainly makes placing a wager worthwhile, particularly during a heated game.
The National League and American League have been fighting for dominance ever since their inception in 1876 and 1878 respectively. The current champions will be looking to defend their title this year, with the Boston Red Sox representing the AL (American League) and the Chicago Cubs the NL (National League). The two leagues will be battling it out for the Larry David Trophy, awarded to the regular season champion. David is a renowned television satirist, and the trophy is named after him.
Basketball
The NBA (National Basketball Association) is undoubtedly one of the most influential and popular sports leagues in the world. The popularity of the NBA is matched only by its influence, with nearly every country in the world showing some form of basketball support. The championship is also followed and supported around the world, with international tournaments such as the Olympic Games and the World Cup providing numerous opportunities for fans to follow their favorite players and teams.
The NBA All-Star game is another example of a popular event that is regularly followed and supported abroad. The game features some of the best players in the world competing for individual awards and, perhaps more importantly, some of the best teams in the world competing for bragging rights. The annual event is often considered a “warm-up” for the playoffs which begin in late February and conclude in June.
Which Sports Are Best For Betting?
Based on what we’ve discussed so far, it’s clear that there are numerous sports around the world which people are passionate about. Whether it is Formula 1, Rugby or the MLB, there is plenty to choose from.
One question that you might ask yourself is: Which are best for betting? In general, it is always advisable to choose sports with the largest amount of action, and these were certainly among the first to be identified. As interest in eSports (electronic sports) continues to grow, more and more people are tuning in to watch high-quality matches online. While live sports are always a good option, it’s becoming more common to find people attending games and following matches on their mobile phones, creating a truly global audience.
To decide which sport is best for you, it’s important to first consider the amount of action available. This will vary from sport to sport, with some having numerous events per year and others only having a few. Football, for example, has a very high amount of action compared to, for example, Baseball. The amount of action available should not be considered in a vacuum, but in conjunction with other factors – history, cuisine, culture, etc.
When assessing the best sports for betting, the first thing that should be considered is which sport has the most intriguing backstory. For example, did you know that there is actually a Masters of Spinetta sport? If you are a fan of the 1980’s TV show, “Masters of Spinetta”, you will fully understand what this is referring to. The show was about a family of restaurant owners, and their adventures in running their restaurants in New York City. Essentially, while watching the show, you will learn that the sport started as an Italian restaurant competition, and that the families would later meet in the finals and become friends.
How to Bet On a Sport You’ve Never Tried Before
If you’ve never tried betting on a sport before, the idea may seem a little daunting. After all, you may wonder what the odds are for a brand new sport, and how much does it cost to place a bet on it? The good news is that most sportsbooks (bookmakers) offer helpful tutorials online, which can walk you through the process of placing a bet on a sport that you’ve never tried out before.
Even better, many sportsbooks will actually allow you to try out a new sport for free, without risk or obligation, just to see how it feels. This is a fantastic way for first-time sports bettors to get a feel for the betting atmosphere and the odds of a particular sport without having to risk any money. As a result, you may discover that a sport that you’ve always avoided, or at least been reluctant to try out, actually suits your personality, and you will end up enjoying yourself while you play. Alternatively, you may learn that a sport that you’ve always considered to be “easy” to play, is actually quite difficult, and you will lose a lot of money.