Swimming is gaining popularity on online platforms as a popular and favourite due to its presence in major events such as the Olympic Games and world championships. Swimming betting offers interesting options for those who follow the sport closely and have knowledge about swimmers and competitions.
Below, we explore the main types of bets offered by swimming on online platforms.
1. Race Winner (Moneyline) Bet
The simplest and most common bet in swimming is the race winner or “Moneyline” bet. In this type of bet, the punter chooses which swimmer will win a specific event. Each competitor has an assigned odds, which reflects their probability of winning according to the betting platform. If the swimmer you select wins the race, your bet will be a winner.
This type of bet is ideal for those who are familiar with the competitors, their recent times and their performance in previous competitions. Race winner bets are very popular at big-name events such as Olympic finals or World Swimming Championships.
2. Podium (Top 3) Betting
Another common option in swimming betting is to bet on whether a swimmer will finish in the top three, regardless of whether they win the race or not. This bet, known as a podium bet, is less risky than betting on the winner as it offers more room for success.
For example, if you think a swimmer has a good chance of putting in a good performance, but you are not sure if they can win the race, this option can be a safer way to bet. The odds are usually lower than with win bets, but the risk is also lower.
3. Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is another popular option in swimming. In this type of bet, an advantage or disadvantage in terms of time is assigned to certain swimmers to level the playing field. For example, if a swimmer is a clear favourite, the handicap might take time away from him, and to win the bet, the swimmer must overcome this disadvantage.
This type of bet is useful when there is a dominant competitor in a race and the odds for an outright win are not attractive. By adding a handicap, the odds can be made more competitive, giving punters greater opportunities to profit if the swimmer overcomes the advantage assigned to the other competitors.
4. Head-to-Head Betting
Instead of betting on who will win the entire race, many online platforms allow for head-to-head betting between two specific swimmers. In this type of bet, the final result of the race does not matter, only which of the two selected swimmers will finish in a better position.
This type of bet is useful when punters have detailed information about the recent performance of two particular swimmers and can more accurately assess who is more likely to win the individual duel. This is a simpler bet with fewer variables than betting on the overall winner of the race.
5. Record Betting
Another exciting type of bet in swimming is betting on whether a record will be broken in a certain competition. This can be a world record, an Olympic record, or a swimmer’s personal record. Since breaking a record is less common, the odds are usually high, making this bet an attractive option for punters looking for higher risk and reward.
This bet requires a thorough understanding of the swimmers, their fitness, and the conditions of the competition. Competitions in fast pools or with ideal conditions are often more likely to see records broken.
6. Exact Time Betting
On some platforms, you can also bet on the exact time it will take to complete a race. This involves predicting whether the overall time of the race will be over or under a specific time set by the platform. This type of bet is similar to over/under betting in other sports.
This bet requires a more detailed analysis, considering factors such as pool conditions, swimmers’ form and their performance in previous races.
7. Live Betting
Live or in-play betting is becoming increasingly popular in swimming, especially in competitions that are broadcast live. During the race, platforms allow real-time betting on the final result, who will lead in certain parts of the race or whether a swimmer will be able to maintain their pace until the end.
This type of betting adds an extra layer of excitement as punters can adjust their predictions based on the development of the race. However, it also requires quick decision making and a good understanding of the sport.
Conclusion
Swimming betting offers a wide range of options, from the simplest bets on the race winner to more complex options such as handicaps, head-to-heads and live betting. Knowing the swimmers, their performance and the conditions of the competition well is key to making informed decisions and enjoying betting on this sport to the fullest. As always, it is important to remember that betting responsibly is essential to ensure a safe and controlled experience.
