14 Strangest Bets You Can Make

If you’re new to online gambling, you might encounter some truly bizarre bets that leave you scratching your head. These unusual wagers, while strange, are not only entertaining but also safe to try, introducing an entirely new wave of betting that goes beyond many punters’ wildest imaginations. 

According to sports betting expert Ian Bruce, many of the safest betting sites, which can be found in this list, often incorporate features like live streaming, in-play betting, and rapid withdrawals, alongside high safety standards through licenses such as the UK Gambling Commission. But beyond conventional bets, there exists a realm of quirky and unconventional wagering options. From predicting obscure events to betting on outlandish outcomes, these unique bets provide a fascinating look into the diverse and sometimes bizarre world of gambling culture.

Here’s a rundown of the 14 most bizarre wagers that have intrigued niche bettors, offering gamblers unique and unconventional ways to engage with global culture and unusual sporting events.

1. UFOs, Alien Abductions, and Extraterrestrial Invasions

Betting on alien life and UFOs has gained massive popularity in recent years. With frequent UFO sightings, increasing space activity, and figures like Elon Musk exploring Mars colonisation, this category of prop bets has drawn plenty of attention. Popular options include wagering on who would win a war between aliens and humans, which celebrity might be abducted first, or which country aliens might attack. 

2. Meteors Striking Earth

Some betting platforms offer odds on meteors striking Earth and causing mass destruction. For instance, one wager speculated whether a meteor might hit Buckingham Palace. While the odds of such events are incredibly slim, the strange nature of these bets makes them oddly appealing to some gamblers.

3. Betting on the Next Pope

One of the more unique and thought-provoking betting categories is wagering on the next Pope. Bettors can place bets on who will be chosen as the next pontiff and even what name he will select upon ascending to the papacy. For devout Catholics or those with an interest in Vatican affairs, this type of wager offers a fascinating combination of religion and speculation.

4. Bog Snorkeling

One of the oddest competitions to bet on is the World Bog Snorkeling Championship, held annually in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales. Competitors swim through muddy, bog-filled waters in a race that’s as bizarre as it sounds. This peculiar event has even attracted sponsors like Ben and Jerry’s, adding to its quirky charm.

5. Celebrity Divorces

For those who follow celebrity gossip, betting on celebrity divorces has become a popular and unusual option. With the personal lives of celebrities often in the spotlight, placing wagers on the next high-profile breakup can be surprisingly easy for those in the know.

6. Betting on the Weather

Weather betting adds a quirky twist to wagering, allowing gamblers to place bets on conditions like rain, snow, or lightning on specific dates or locations. An increasing number of online platforms are beginning to cater to weather enthusiasts and even budding meteorologists with a wide range of weather-related bets.

7. Ferret Bingo

Ferret bingo involves placing ferrets in a maze and betting on their movements and outcomes. This niche betting activity has gained traction, replacing more traditional weekend games like cornhole or frisbee golf in some circles

8. Cheese Rolling

Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester, UK, hosts an annual cheese rolling competition where participants chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill. Gamblers can wager on winners and other race outcomes, making this unique tradition even more entertaining.

9. Competitive Eating Contests

Competitive eating has grown into a popular betting category, with events like Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest drawing significant interest. Bets often include total food consumption, chances of protests, or whether a competitor will vomit. 

10. Wife Carrying Competitions

Wife-carrying races are a legitimate sport, most famously held in Sonkajärvi, Finland, where husbands carry their wives through a challenging course and winners are paid in their wife’s weight in beer. Gamblers can bet on the fastest couples and other outcomes, adding a layer of humor to this unusual event.

11. Financial and Economic Bets

Betting on financial and economic events is another niche category that has gained popularity. Gamblers can wager on stock market movements, actions by the SEC, or even potential market crashes. These bets provide a unique way to engage with the financial world without directly investing in stocks.

12. Political Betting

Political bets remain highly popular, with gamblers wagering on elections, political outcomes, or the actions of prominent figures. For example, in 2024, bettors are closely watching the odds of Donald Trump facing legal consequences or outcomes of the US presidential race. Political bets often attract those with a deep interest in current affairs.

13. Betting on World Events

World event betting offers strange options, such as odds on the resurgence of global pandemics or geopolitical developments like conflicts and population changes. Some sportsbooks even feature bizarre wagers on the end of the world or which country will lead in population by year-end.

14. Japan’s “Naked” Festival

One of the most unusual events to bet on is the Naked Festival, held annually in Saidai-ji, Japan. Thousands of men, wearing only loincloths, wrestle and scramble to grab sacred sticks tossed into the crowd. The winner is said to receive a year of happiness. This traditional event, rich in cultural significance, has intrigued gamblers who bet on outcomes like the winner or the level of chaos.