Exciting options are available for the sporting public.
Although sports fans may think of Spring or Summer as the hottest times for huge events, Winter can also bring its fair share of massive occasions. This can see people tuning into them on their TV sets, catching them online, or reading the latest stories about them in the media. Betting on major sporting events is another way to get more involved with them, and there are some eye-catching ones to wager on this coming Winter. But how do you go about this, and what are the best events to consider when betting?
Before we take a closer look at the top sports events to bet on this coming Winter, it pays to know more about it first. One of the best tips is carefully choosing which sportsbook you place wagers on events with. Although all sporting betting sites might appear equal, they can vary in some key areas. The betting features a sportsbook carries are an obvious example, and it’s worth looking out for sites with live streaming, cash out, or in-play markets.
It’s also crucial to only wager at regulated sportsbooks, which have excellent customer support, competitive odds, and a range of secure payment options. It would be best to look for betting sites that cover a wide range of sports, as this means you will easily find the best events to bet on. But what are the best sports events to bet on this Winter?
With that background, here are my picks for the best betting options.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 8th December 2024 – Formula 1
Photo courtesy Crash.Net
The first fantastic sporting event to bet on this Winter is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in F1. This will occur in early December and be held at the Yas Marina Circuit. As you would expect from this exotic destination in the United Arab Emirates, the race will be full of glamour, excitement, and thrills.
As the last race of the current F1 season, it will also bring the curtain down on another high-octane campaign. Since this is the season’s final race, it’s the last chance for people to bet on F1 for a while and should deliver exciting markets to explore.
Three-time champion Max Verstappen is looking likely to secure a fourth consecutive Drivers Championship this year but has Lando Norris chasing hard. Charles LeClerc at Ferrari is not entirely out of things yet and could still be in the betting come this race. However, Verstappen won 2023’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which could leave him confident of clinching another title with a win here.
Fury vs Usyk Rematch on 21st December 2024 – Boxing
Courtesy BBC
The Middle East looks like the place to be for major sporting events this Winter, and this hugely anticipated rematch shows why. Set to take place on 21st December 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it follows the iconic first bout earlier in the year, which Usyk won to become undisputed heavyweight champion. In addition to boxing fans’ interest, this clash will surely attract lots of bets, both in the lead-up to the fight and on the night of the contest itself.
Usyk is a favorite with most bookmakers and looks set to retain his titles and preserve his unbeaten record. A supremely skilled, tough boxer, his previous victory over Fury may give him the psychological edge in this rematch. Fury is not to be discounted, though; it is always dangerous due to its sheer size and power. He will be extra motivated to avenge his fist-fight defeat, which could help him even things up in Riyadh. Aside from backing one fighter to win, alternative markets like a method of victory or how many rounds the contest might last are one’s bettors could explore.
NFL Super Bowl on February 9th, 2025 – Football
Courtesy NBC Los Angeles
Super Bowl 2024 betting stats showed that around $23 billion was wagered on last year’s match, and this may well rise even more by the time the next edition arrives in early February 2025. Due to this, it’s safe to say this is another mammoth sporting event to bet on this Winter. The popularity of Super Bowl betting revolves around the number of exciting markets to dive into, the extra excitement it adds to watching the game, and the traditions around placing wagers on the match.
Although it’s far too early to say who will win the next Super Bowl, a few teams in the current season are already looking for solid picks. While they might not have been on top form yet, the Kansas City Chiefs are managing to pick up wins and have elite-level player Patrick Mahomes to rely on. They will also be extra keen to win another Super Bowl, as this would make it three consecutive wins for them in football’s biggest match. The 49ers may also be a side that people back to reach the Super Bowl or win. They did well in keeping their stacked roster together for this campaign and have picked up plenty of big-game experience in recent Super Bowl appearances.
Australian Open from 12th January to 26th January 2025 – Tennis
Courtesy MAC Sports Travel
Tennis betting is very popular and something that all the top sportsbooks offer. From the sport’s year-round nature to its perfect suitability for in-play markets, tennis has many features that make it a good choice for punters. The major tournaments it has to wager on are another reason for its appeal with bettors, and the Australian Open in Melbourne in January 2025 is a classic example. This is the first Grand Slam of the tennis season and always gets plenty of attention. As well as predicting who will win specific matches, backing one player to win the title before play starts is also something that proves popular.
At 2024’s event, Jannik Sinner came out on top in the Men’s Singles and will be looking to retain his crown. A US Open win plus a semi-final appearance at the French Open in 2024 shows what great form he has been in and bodes well for his chances. Dual 2024 Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz may pose the biggest threat to this, as will legendary player Novak Djokovic.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka won the Women’s title in 2024 and has a decent season overall this year. However, Swiatek, Pegula, and Rybakina should all be contenders for 2025’s tournament and be well-backed in the betting markets.
