Athletic championships are some of the most highly anticipated events for sports lovers. With millions of people tuning in to watch these games, athletic championships unite athletes worldwide to compete in major track and field events.
Since these games have a huge reach, they also attract major brand sponsorships, further heightening their allure. Athletic championships also garner a lot of attention in the online sports betting realm. Top Sportsbooks, such as Betiton Sports, offer a range of exciting markets and competitive odds that make watching and experiencing these games even more exciting.
In this article, I’ll look at the five current biggest athletics championships. Later, I’ll also offer tips on maximizing your bets and choosing the right sportsbook.
The Top 5 Biggest Athletics Championships
Below, I’ve listed some of the biggest athletic championships, known for their high level of competition. All of them have a rich history, giving them a prestige that, in turn, makes them even more exciting to wager on
1. The Olympic Games
| Frequency | Every four years |
| Organizer | International Olympic Committee (IOC) |
| Importance | Hosts over 10,000 of the best athletes from more than 200 countries |
The Olympic Games have been taking place since 1896 and are highly anticipated by sports fans and punters. Of all the competitions mentioned on this list, it is the most important, and anyone who participates in these events becomes an instant superstar in the world of sports. With the whole world watching the games, the Olympics is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting events when it comes to betting on sports.
2. World Athletics Championships
| Frequency | Every two years |
| Organizer | World Athletics |
| Importance | Highly competitive event, second only to the Olympics |
This event features over 2000 athletes from 180 countries, making it smaller in scope than the Olympics. Here, you can also expect some of the best performances on track and field, which naturally garners much attention from punters. Since this event takes place more frequently than the Olympics, bettors can make more informed wagers as they can better understand and analyse recent performances.
3. European Athletics Championships
| Frequency | Every two years |
| Organizer | European Athletics |
| Importance | Highly regarded competitions amongst European bettors and athletes. |
The Biennial European Athletics Championships showcase the very best athletes that Europe has to offer. This event has been around since 1934, and over 1500 athletes take part in it. This event is not as big as the Olympics; however, it has been a stepping stone for promising and gifted competitors to test their skills in a highly competitive environment. As you can expect, this event is more followed by European sports fans and punters. Just like the Olympics and the World Athletics Championships, it offers lucrative opportunities for betting on athletics.
4. Diamond League
| Frequency | Annual |
| Organizer | World Athletics |
| Importance | It is an excellent way for athletes to show their skills on an international stage and prepare for major events like the Olympics. |
The Diamond League consists of 15 one-day meets that take place worldwide from April to September, with top athletes competing for points throughout the season. The top performers then face off in the Diamond League Final. Unlike other championships, online betting markets for The Diamond League are available all year round, and for this reason, it’s quite popular amongst punters. Some important events in this championship include the London Grand Prix, Adidas Grand Prix, and Doha Diamond League.
5. Commonwealth Games
| Frequency | Every four years |
| Organizer | Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) |
| Importance | A major international event featuring athletes from Commonwealth nations. |
Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event that happens every four years, bringing together athletes across the Commonwealth of Nations. Like the Diamond League, the Commonwealth Games are another stepping stone to the Olympics; playing here can give players exposure, recognition, and confidence. All Commonwealth nations, big or small, have an equal chance to send athletes based on qualifications; there’s no special treatment for larger countries. These games are exciting to bet on because of the wide range of nations involved, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes.
How to Bet on Athletics Championships Safely?
There are several things to consider regarding sports betting to ensure you maximize your wager. Let’s have a closer look.
Types of Betting Markets for Athletics Events
Here are the most popular sports betting markets for athletic championships:
- Outright Winner: Bet on which athlete will win a specific race or event.
- Event Totals: Bet on the total time or distance for an event.
- To Qualify: Choose the athletes you think will make it to the final.
- To Win a Medal: Pick an athlete to finish in the top 3, whether gold, silver, or bronze.
- Live Betting: Place bets during the event as it happens. This is one of the most thrilling ways to engage with betting online, with odds fluctuating very quickly.
- Top of the Medal Table: Bet on which country will top the medal table, such as predicting if the U.S. will win the most golds or medals.
- Specials: These bets are not directly tied to the competition itself. One example includes betting on what the weather will be like on a particular day that a match is taking place.
Key Factors That Influence Athletics Betting Odds
Here are some essential things to keep in mind regarding athletics betting odds:
- Stats: Top bookmakers constantly update themselves with athlete and team rankings, performances, and other available data. With this data, they can then predict outcomes for specific markets, which will, in turn, shape the odds that they are offering.
- Past Performances: This is a popular way to predict how athletes and teams will perform in future competitions. Naturally, if an athlete has won previous events, it can say a lot about how they will perform in upcoming competitions. Remember that odds will shorten if they’re on a winning streak.
- Conditions: Several factors can affect the athlete’s performance on a given day of the match, such as weather or the quality of a track. For example, rain and wind can slow down times in a race, affecting the contestants’ performance.
Key Factors to Consider When Betting on Athletics
Below are some helpful athletics betting tips to remember when placing bets in these competitions:
- Athletic Form: Athletes or teams that are doing well are more likely to keep doing well compared to those on a losing streak. It’s essential to keep yourself up to date with how a player is forming. We always say it’s important to be a fan when you’re betting on sports.
- Injuries: If an athlete is injured, you shouldn’t place your bet on them, as this can greatly affect the way they play the rest of the championship.
- Competition Level: Before you place your wager, make sure you check out who a player or team is competing with. If an athlete is playing with a big competitor, the odds will change.
- Weather Conditions: Weather conditions like rain, wind, or heat have a huge impact on athletes and the way they perform. For this reason, it’s important to check what the conditions at a venue are on the day of the race.
Choosing a Trusted Online Betting Platform
Before I wrap up this athletics betting guide, let’s have a look at some tips to ensure you choose a safe and secure platform:
| License and Regulation | Before you sign up and make a deposit with a platform, make sure to check whether a reputable source licenses them. |
| Payment Options | The best sportsbook will allow you to pay with various trusted sources, ranging from credit cards to e-wallets and sometimes even cryptocurrency. |
| Customer Support | It’s essential to have access to a 24/7 customer support team so you can always have someone to contact in case of any issues. |
| Positive Review | Before you sign up, it’s a good idea to see what players say about the site. Five-star sportsbook sites are more likely to have positive reviews from various players. |
Athletic championships are great fun to watch, and when you add sports betting into the mixture, you’re bound to have an unforgettable time! All the championships listed above are great options to consider, as they all offer unique markets and odds, giving you plenty of options. Whether you’re interested in Olympic athletics betting or want to stake on the Diamond League, just make sure to choose a safe and trusted sportsbook to ensure a smooth and enjoyable wagering experience.
