Beginners Guide to Specials Betting

The world of online betting has grown in popularity over the past decade. Initially designed for sports fanatics, the industry now encompasses even more exotic opportunities, including special bets. If you’re a regular player, then this is no news to you. For the freshman, specials bets involve wagering on a non-sporting event.

Vesela Baycheva
By Vesela Baycheva
  2. Betting Academy
  3. Betting on Specials

Special bets range from political predictions to movies, news, and even celebrity news. As a matter of fact, anything newsworthy can be found under specials betting sites. The sport is only limited to your imagination and that of the bookmakers.

Just like in the world of sports betting, there’s a chance to earn in specials betting. The key is to identify bookmakers that offer favourable Specials betting odds and run frequent promotional activities. Another interesting feature about this new-fangled betting opportunity is that Specials betting has a vast number of betting markets.

If you’re new to the sport and looking to get specials betting explained, here’s a detailed guide on how to manoeuvre the sport and, hopefully, get your piece of the pie.

Page Navigation

Understanding the rules

movie awards oscars

With new events popping up regularly, Specials betting has become one of the most sought-after options at sportsbooks. Similar to sports betting, these events allow punters to predict the outcome of their favourite pastimes. But before you place your bets, it’s critical to fully understand the rules and nuances of each event. You also have to research the various markets to figure out which ones you can combine on accumulators. As specials betting encompasses a wide range of events, it’s challenging to generalize the rules. As such, we’ll provide you with a snapshot of what some of the most popular Specials betting events entail.

Academy Awards

The most prestigious ceremony in the film industry attracts millions, if not billions, across the globe. With such a large following, it comes as no surprise that the market is among the biggest in Specials Betting. Punters can place wagers on winning actors/actresses, movie/film, producers, and more.

Golden Globe Awards

Having been introduced around 1944, the Golden Globe Awards are exciting for artists and fans. As such, the awards season is also witnessed by tons of people on-site, with hopes of striking it lucky. The ceremony closely resembles the Academy awards. Punters can, therefore, also bet on winning actors, films, and filmmakers.

TV Series

There are tons of TV series markets; it’s almost impossible to pick just one. Most TV series betting is based on knockout shows such as reality TV, where the characters fight to stay in a race. It is also common to bet on events in other shows, such as the death of a character in a soap opera.

Politics

Second, only to TV show betting, betting on politics is as good as it gets. You can bet on every primary election in the world, including the number of female ministers, number of seats won, next party leader, and more. More thrilling is that these Specials betting opportunities are not limited to one country.

Miss Universe

Attracting approximately 500 million people from 190 countries, Miss Universe is among the most widely watched shows in the world. Those who appreciate the excellent pageants can punt on anything from the winner to the show’s host. Of all the bets placed on the event, predicting the winner awards the highest possible rewards.

The personality of the year

This is an award displayed by many companies, especially in the sports arena. Sports fans are among the most loyal groups the world over. As such, punters are granted the opportunity to predict the winner.

X-factor

You don’t have to be in a contest or a judge to participate in the popular show. X-factor is also enlisted under Specials betting markets in most countries. Punters can, therefore, try to make a bit of cash by predicting the winner and losers, among other aspects of the show.

Where to find Specials betting websites?

BetwayRating: 4.9/5
Betway review
  • High odds
  • Great markets
  • Superb support
  • Welcome offers
New customers only. Min Deposit: £10. First deposit matched up to £10. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Terms apply 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Free Bet £10
Get your BonusGo to Betway
BwinRating: 4.7/5
Bwin review
  • Big range of sport betting options
  • High odds
  • Casino games
  • Poker platform
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Pace 1 sport bet (3+ selections) } Excl Horse Racing| Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min odds 1/5 (1.5) for each selection | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Get a £20 for New Customers
Get your bonusGo to Bwin
LadbrokesRating: 4.6/5
Ladbrokes review
  • High Odds
  • Good Mobile Apps
  • Reliable Customer Support
  • Quick Payments
18+ New UK+IRE customers. Certain deposits and bet types excl. Min £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x /€5 free bets. Free bets valid available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Rrestrictions + T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Up to £20 Welcome Bonus
Get your BonusGo to Ladbrokes
William HillRating: 4.9/5
William Hill review
  • Wide range of casino games
  • Hundreds of sports betting markets
  • Lots of other betting options like bingo and poker
  • Cash Out option
New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
£30 Welcome Offer
Claim £30 bonusGo to William Hill
KarambaRating: 4.4/5
Karamba review
  • Excellent promotion package
  • Convenient payments
  • Mobile apps for iOS & Android
New customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. Real money bets required for Karamba battle. Participants subject to timeout. £1000 Winner cash prize guaranteed. 18+ | | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
£10 Welcome offer
Get £10 BonusGo to Karamba
BoyleSportsRating: 4.5/5
BoyleSports review
  • Variety of sports markets
  • Good odds
  • Mobile apps for Android & iOS
  • Bonuses for existing customers
18+. UK Customers (Excluding NI) only. Cash stakes only. Min £10 stake required for initial £5 free bet. Min odds ½. Max £25 in free bets. Subsequent free bets equal 50% average of each 3 £5 max qualifying bets. 13 settled bets required to receive full £25 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed on sportsbook within 30 days of opening account. Cashed out bets will not qualify towards your average stake. One free bet offer per customer, household or IP address only. Free bet expires after 7 days. Payment method restrictions apply. T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
£25 New Customer Exclusive Offer
Welcome OfferGo to BoyleSports
BetUKRating: 4.6/5
BetUK review
  • Great selection of sports betting markets
  • Competitive Odds
  • Various Betting Features
  • Android and iOS mobile apps
Full T&C’s Apply. New customers on mobile only. 7 days to claim and stake £10 minimum bet at odds of 1.5 or greater to qualify. Free, void, cashed out or partially cashed out bets do not qualify. Max 3 x £10 Free Bets credited when you opt in by clicking the claim button on my offers page. Once the offer is claimed, place your qualifying bet, after the qualifying bet is settled, you will receive your free bets. Free bets must be used on 4 or more selections and are non-withdrawable and stake not returned with winnings. 7 day expiry. | 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Bet £10 Get £30 Welcome Offer
Claim £30 BonusGo to BetUK
Virgin BetRating: 4.6/5
Virgin Bet review
  • Great selection of sports markets
  • High-level Odds
  • Casino Games
  • Excellent Betting Features Included
*New members. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook, placed & settled at 1.5 min odds within 14 days of sign-up. Register before 17:59 8/04/20022 and after 18.00 9/04/2022. Win part of the E/W bets. 2 non-withdrawable £10 Free Bet Tokens: accept in 7 days, valid for 7 days from acceptance (ex E/Ws & Multiples), stakes not returned. 18+ T&Cs Apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free bets
Claim your BonusGo to Virgin Bet
InterbetRating: 4.6/5
Interbet review
  • Huge amount of promotions
  • Live dealer and casino games
  • VIP program
  • Helpful customer support
New Players Only. Free bet is a one-time stake of €/$/£10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: €/$/£20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Up to €/£/$10 Welcome Bonus
Get €/£/$10 BonusGo to Interbet
NovibetRating: 4.6/5
Novibet review
  • Attractive Odds
  • Fun bets available
  • Cash-out feature
18+ | UK new customers only | KYC verified | Min £10 bet | Max £20 free bet (2 x £10) full amount awarded on losing first bet only | Min odds 7/10 (1.70) | Free bet stake not returned | Certain Markets/sports/payment methods restrictions apply | Cashed-out and Bet Builder bets are excluded from this offer | Qualifying bet must be made within 30 days | Free bet valid for 30 days | T&C's apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get £20 Welcome Bonus
Get this bonusGo to Novibet
10betRating: 4.5/5
10bet review
  • Good welcome offer
  • Active cash-out option
  • Plenty of sports
New bettors get 50% of deposit up to £50; Once per household; Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager 8 times deposit + bonus, max qualifying bet equal to initial bonus amount; valid for 60 days; Min odds of 4/5 on singles or 2/5 per acca leg; Some bet types excluded; See full terms; 18+ begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
50% up to £50 for UK players
Claim your BonusGo to 10bet
VStarBetRating: 4.6/5
VStarBet review
  • Big list of sports
  • Great betting features
  • Variety of casino games
  • Nice payment options
New Players Only. Minimum stake €/£/$10, minimum odds 1.5, stake not refunded. 10X wagering the winning from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Maximum conversion: €/£/$20. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get AMOUNT Bonus
Welcome OfferGo to VStarBet
BetTargetRating: 4.5/5
BetTarget review
  • Competitive Odds
  • Great range of betting markets
  • Exclusive Features like Bet.Battle
  • Various Payment Methods
New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not Eligible. T&Cs Apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Bet £10 & Get £10 Welcome Bonus
Claim your OfferGo to BetTarget
GatobetRating: 4.5/5
Gatobet review
  • Good welcome bonus
  • A ton of sport markets
  • Casino games in place
  • Helpful customer support
New Players Only. Minimum £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet is a one-time stake of £30, minimum odds of 2, stake is not returned, maximum Conversion £30, 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Valid for 5 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Get £30 Bonus
Get your OfferGo to Gatobet
HopaRating: 4.5/5
Hopa review
  • Great selection of sports
  • Casino games available
  • Helpful customer support
  • Competitive odds
New customers only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus toket with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. Real money bets required. First bet required to opt into next tournament. T&Cs apply. 18+. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Sign Up & Get £10 Bonus
Get your OfferGo to Hopa
Genting BetRating: 4.5/5
Genting Bet review
  • Good looking website
  • Great selection of sports
  • Cash-out feature available
  • Helpful customer support
Sig. terms: New customers only. First £10+ (£10 E/W) real money bet at odds of 2.0+ qualifies. £10 free bet credited following bet settlement and to be used on sports. Stake not returned, use within 7 days. begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Sign Up & Get £/€10 Bonus
Get your OfferGo to Genting Bet
BetitonRating: 4.5/5
Betiton review
  • Generous bonuses
  • VIP program for punters
  • Lots of features for Sports & Casino
  • Great payment methods
New Customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. T&CS APPLY. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
€/£10 Free Bet for New Players
Welcome OfferGo to Betiton
Bet DukesRating: 4.4/5
Bet Dukes review
  • Awesome bonus campaign
  • Lots of sports markets
  • Great odds to choose from
New Players Only. Minimum £/€10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet is a one-time stake of £/€10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max. conversion: £/€20. Valif for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get up to €/£10 Free Bet as a New Player
Get €/£10 BonusGo to Bet Dukes
SportNationRating: 4.4/5
SportNation review
  • Great selection of sports
  • Cash-out and live streaming
  • Live betting available
  • Helpful customer support
Key Terms: New customers only. Place the 5 specified bets to earn Free Bets. Each leg must have minimum odds of 1.8 (4/5). Applies to bets on sport only. Valid once per customer. Free Bet valid for 7 days. Free Bet max winnings is 20x Free Bet stake. Free Bets must be accepted in popup messages once their qualifying bets have settled. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get your OfferGo to SportNation
LucksterRating: 4.4/5
Luckster review
  • Great range of sports betting options
  • Cash out is available
  • Wide array of casino games
New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. T&Cs Apply. 18+ begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
£10 Welcome Offer
Claim your BonusGo to Luckster
LuckLandRating: 4.3/5
LuckLand review
  • Great Variety of Sports betting options
  • Good Odds
  • Cash out feature is available
  • Different Payments accepted
T&Cs apply. This offer is for new customers only and is available once per household. 18+. Max Free Bet Token amount: £10. Min deposit: £10. Minimum wagering on Sport to activate the Free Bet Token: £15. Restrictions Apply. begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
£10 Free Bet
Claim your OfferGo to LuckLand
MrRexRating: 4.3/5
MrRex review
  • Great selection of Sports betting markets
  • Wide range of Casino games
  • Cash out function is available
New customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. T&C's apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
£10 Free Bet Welcome Bonus
Claim your BonusGo to MrRex
BetSteveRating: 4.3/5
BetSteve review
  • List with many sports events
  • Attractive casino section
  • Many live dealers games
  • Live Streaming is available
New Players Only. Minimum stake €/£/$10, minimum odds 1.5, stake not refunded. 10X wagering the winning from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only wagering stats from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Maximum conversion: €/£/$20. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get £/€/$10 as a Sign-up Promo
Get £/€/$10 bonusGo to BetSteve
SwishBetRating: 4.2/5
SwishBet review
  • Extraordinary website design
  • Great sportsbook
  • Professional and reliable customer support
  • Huge range of casino games
New Players Only. Free bet is a one-time stake of £10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering stats from real funds. Max conversion: £20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
Get £10 Bonus
Get £10 BonusGo to SwishBet
BetboroRating: 3.9/5
Betboro review
  • Cash Out Feature
  • In-Play Section
  • Live Streaming function
  • Virtual Sports
New customers only. First deposit with Debit Card (Wirecard) only. First bet must be accumulator bet, min. 3 Sportsbook events (min. £5) to qualify, must settle within 14 days. Odds of (3/5 / 1.6) or higher for each selection. Free Bet will be 100% matched amount of first bet placed (max. £25). Non-withdrawable and valid for 14 days, T&Cs apply. | 18+| begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
bonus icon
Up to £25 in Free Bets
Claim your bonusGo to Betboro
LegolasRating: 3.5/5
Legolas review
  • Easy-to-navigate design
  • Live betting on sports
  • Casino and Live casino games
18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | Play Responsibly
bonus icon
100% up to €/£100 Bonus
Get this bonusGo to Legolas

Show More

Locating Specials betting sites is anything but rocket science. With most online gaming companies hopping on to the new trend, finding your desired site is just a web search away. Whilst there are numerous options available on the market today, the key is to ensure the website is safe and fully registered under a reputable regulatory authority.

To ensure that the website is licensed, simply scroll down south until reaching the “about company” section. Suppose you’re not familiar with the company or its regulatory body. In that case, it’s advisable to head over to a more trustworthy website. Admittedly, not every registered website falls under the “Top Specials betting sites” category. However, we made a list with the best bookmakers to bet on Special events online where you can find also tips to succeed.

It takes a lot more than acquiring a license to make it to our list. Watch out for the Specials betting odds offered by the website. Specials events can be quite challenging to accurately predict. As such, make use of sites that provide Specials betting tips for better winning odds. You can also browse through the site’s bonus terms and promotional packages to boost your banking balance.

Interesting Bets and Facts

international flags politics

Sports betting is often characterized by intensity and a strong adrenaline kick. So, it’s only natural that you’d want to kick it back and make a decent-sized stake without worry-free of the outcome. Specials betting is the ultimate gaming destination for punters looking to bask in the entertainment of the much-relaxed spot. Most impressive is that iGaming platforms are continuously introducing new markets under the section to stand taller than the competition.

Some of these markets are the craziest ever witnessed in the industry. Starting with the so-called alien invasion, several punters once wagered on when alien life would be proven and when they would invade the earth. Another exciting bet that attracted a lot of punters was the ending of the world.

The craziest may be awarded to a football fanatic who wagered Luis Suarez biting someone during the 2014 World Cup. Interestingly, the bettor took home a significant amount of money from the game. Some punters even bet on the weather, assassinations, and celebrity relationships. When it comes to specials betting, nothing is deemed inappropriate or wacky.

Final Thoughts

Specials betting is an ideal sport for anyone looking to chill and have some fun while booking a chance to roll in some dough. Not only are the bets potentially rewarding, but they also provide an opportunity to partake in the biggest events around the world.

More thrilling is the idea of betting on anything and everything that is deemed attractive. From celebrity news and gossip to reality TV shows, movies and awards, there’s never a dull moment under the specials betting section. If you’re still not yet sold on the idea, the attractive bonuses and promotional packages often present in iGaming sites will change your mind. Moreover, it’s refreshing to strike a life-changing changing moment from a fun miniature bet.

You should, however, be aware that specials betting is not for the faint-hearted. While the sport proves fun and interesting experience, striking it lucky is significantly harder than on sports bets. Everything is left to chance, and winning takes more research and determination. Nonetheless, the ultimate experience is worth the trouble. To sum up all the above, a specials bet is a perfect place for putters seeking fun and massive payouts.

FAQ

What are Specials bets?

Specials bets are those that fall outside the traditional sports category. They are based on current events like politics, celebrity news, movies, award ceremonies, and more.

What is the easiest bet to win?

Specials betting is a game of chance. Therefore, there are no easy bets or guaranteed tips for winning. However, betting on the subject, you’re most knowledgeable about may be helpful.

What is the weirdest thing you can bet on?

Specials bets are known for their interesting and unusual topics. During our review of the sport, we found the weirdest bets to be about alien existence.

Can you earn with Specials bets?

Don’t let the fun of the sport fool you into thinking there’s easy way to succeed. Like other gambling sports, you can only consistently win with specials betting after putting in a bit of work. Of course, luck also matters.

Can I join more than one Specials betting site?

Yes. There is no restriction on how many specials betting sites you can join as long as it is within your budget.

Author

Vesela Baycheva
Vesela BaychevaIt is Vesela’s main interest to be on the lookout for the latest trends in the casino world. Her passion has led her to become a freelance content writer. Her expertise, though, reaches beyond the realms of the casino. You can see her published articles on topics relating to casinos and bookmakers alike.