Novelty Betting in the UK: Compare Top Sites, Markets & Bonuses for 2024
Last updated: by Leon Marshal
Novelty betting is a popular market in the UK, offering a fun alternative to traditional wagers. From politics to TV shows, there’s a bet for everyone. Our page will help you find the best sites for novelty bets and breaks down the most popular markets, helping you make better choices in this unusual betting niche.
| Betting Site | Rating | Highlights | Bonus Offers | Secure Link | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 CopyBet | 5.0 out of 5 | Odds Levels: 96.88%, Novelty Markets: 15+, Specials: 5+ | £50 | copybet.com | Full T&Cs Apply! BET 10 GET 50 offer is available only for the customers who signed up on 01.02.2024 or later. Complete your first deposit using your banking app (Open banking) to unlock the offer. The qualifying bet should be a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet, start at £10, have 1.9 or higher odds and must be settled within 7 days of sign-up. Each free bet lasts for 7 days. Offer stands for verified UK clients. No Cash-Out. Max payout – £500. |
| 🥈 Betfred | 4.9 out of 5 | Odds Levels: 95.88%, Novelty Markets: 12+, Specials: 4+ | £50 | betfred.com | Full T&Cs apply. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. |
| 🥉 10bet | 4.8 out of 5 | Odds Levels: 96.34%, Novelty Markets: 13+, Specials: 3+ | £50 | 10bet.com | Full T&Cs Apply! New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+ |
| ⭐ The Pools | 4.7 out of 5 | Odds Levels: 96.01%, Novelty Markets: 11+, Specials: n/a | £10 | thepools.com | Full T&Cs Apply! 18+, UK only. Min odds and selections apply per offer. Cashed out bets and bets on non-runners do not qualify. Free bets are credited at bet settlement and will expire 7 days after being credited. Full terms apply per offer. |
| ⭐ bet365 | 4.6 out of 5 | Odds Levels: 95.22%, Novelty Markets: 15+, Specials: 6+ | £25 | bet365.com | Full T&Cs Apply! For new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. 18+ Begambleaware.org |
What is Novelty Betting?
Novelty betting, also known as special bets, involves wagering on non-sporting events. These bets can range from outcomes of TV shows, political elections, award ceremonies, to even the weather. Unlike traditional betting, novelty bets focus on unique and often quirky markets that appeal to a wide audience.
Comparison with Traditional Betting
Traditional betting is usually confined to sports events like football, horse racing, and tennis. In contrast, novelty betting covers a broader range of events. While sports betting relies heavily on statistical analysis and form guides, novelty bets often depend on public opinion and media trends, making them less predictable but highly entertaining.
Popular Types of Novelty Bets
Entertainment Bets
These bets are placed on outcomes related to TV shows, reality competitions, and award ceremonies. For example, you can bet on the winner of “Strictly Come Dancing” or who will be voted off “Love Island” next. These bets are popular because they add an extra layer of excitement for fans of these shows.
Political Bets
Political betting involves wagering on the outcomes of elections and other political events. Common bets include predicting the next Prime Minister, the outcome of a general election, or referendum results. These bets attract punters interested in politics and current affairs.
Weather Bets
Weather betting allows you to place wagers on various weather-related outcomes, such as a white Christmas or the highest temperature recorded in a year. These bets are particularly popular around significant holidays and can be a fun way to engage with something as unpredictable as the weather.
Most Popular Novelty Betting Markets
Find a detailed review of each of the novelty bet markets on our dedicated pages:
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year
- Next James Bond
- Great British Bake Off
- Love Island
- Emmys
- Oscars
- Royals
- Chess
- EastEnders
- Coronation Street
- Britain’s Got Talent
- The Voice UK
- White Christmas
- Weather
- Eurovision
- Golden Globes
- Baftas
- The Masked Singer
- Strictly Come Dancing
- Dancing on Ice
- I’m a Celebrity
- World’s Strongest Man
- Mr. Olympia
- Ballon d’Or
- PFA Player of the Year
How to Place a Novelty Bet
Choose a Betting Site:
Selecting the right site is crucial for a good betting experience. Look for reputable novelty betting sites with a wide range of markets, competitive odds, and good customer reviews. Also, ensure the site is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
Steps to Place a Bet:
- Create an Account: Sign up on your chosen betting site.
- Deposit Funds: Add money to your betting account using a preferred payment method.
- Navigate to Novelty Betting Section: Find the section dedicated to novelty bets.
- Select a Market: Choose the event you want to bet on.
- Place Your Bet: Enter your stake and confirm your bet.
Criteria for Selecting Novelty Betting Sites
When evaluating the best betting sites, consider factors such as market variety, odds quality, user experience, and customer support. Additional features like live betting and special promotions can also enhance your betting experience.
Our Recommended Sites
- CopyBet: Known for a wide range of novelty bets and excellent customer service.
- Betfred: Offers competitive odds and a user-friendly platform.
- 10bet: Extensive market coverage and frequent promotions for novelty bets.
- The Pools: Provides a variety of novelty bets with attractive odds and promotions.
- Bet365: Features an extensive selection of novelty betting markets and competitive odds.
Strategies for Novelty Betting
Research and Information:
Research is key to making informed novelty bets. Follow news, social media, and expert opinions related to the events you’re betting on. Websites and forums dedicated to specific niches, like TV show fan sites or political blogs, can provide valuable insights.
Betting Responsibly:
Novelty betting should be fun and entertaining. Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses, and remember that these bets are often unpredictable. Use tools provided by betting sites, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options, to manage your betting behaviour.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Novelty Betting
Pros:
- Entertainment Value: Adds excitement to following your favourite shows or events.
- Unique Opportunities: Offers betting markets that are not available in traditional sports betting.
- Potential High Returns: Unpredictable outcomes can lead to high payouts.
Cons:
- Unpredictability: Results can be harder to predict compared to sports betting.
- Limited Information: Less statistical data is available for analysis.
- Risk of Losses: Higher unpredictability can lead to more frequent losses.
Conclusion
Novelty betting is a fun and exciting alternative to traditional sports betting, offering a wide range of unique markets. While it can be unpredictable, it adds an extra layer of excitement to everyday events. Remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the unexpected.
FAQ
Are Novelty Bets Legal in the UK?
Yes, novelty bets are legal in the UK, provided you place them with a betting site licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
What are Novelty Bets?
Novelty bets are wagers on non-sporting events such as TV shows, political elections, and even the weather. These bets are popular for their entertainment value and unique markets.