Online Betting Specials – What’s It All About?

The world of betting does not have to revolve solely around sporting events. Bookmakers give you the opportunity to make money in all aspects of life, and therefore cruising the “Specials” section of an Online Bookmaker, can throw up some interesting betting markets to have a punt on. The “Specials” section of Online Bookmakers, will usually run with opportunities from Reality TV, special awards such as the Sports Personality of the Year and Oscars, down to Politics and which parties will win what seats in which constituency. They may not be visited very often, but there can be some real gems in there, and most of all, these are the types of bets upon which you can have a bit of fun flutter. Most online bookmakers will have this section, and it may just be worthwhile dipping in to it.

With betting touching upon most aspects of life, let us take a look over the Special type of bet which can be found at your Online Bookmaker:

TV Reality: With the era of reality television shows, you can follow an entire series both voting on which people to eliminate from whichever competition it is, as well as backing up your choices by putting your money where your phone vote is. Simon Cowell’s X-Factor continues to be one of the most sought after betting markets in Reality TV, and this year it is all down to the final three. The favourite of the trio is Joe McElderry who is at the short odds of 1/2 at Stan James. The other two competitors are the oddly named Olly Murs 9/2 at Totesport, and Stacey Solomon is bringing up the rear in terms of betting at 5/1 at SkyBet. There are also plenty of other X Factor betting options, like winning manager, and the Final Two.
Another popular Reality TV show is Strictly Come Dancing, which again gives you a chance to pick up a "Brucie Bonus" as celebrities try and dance their way to success. Like X-Factor, this competition is down to the final three. Sports newscaster Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan are the favourites for this year’s event, at a price of 8/11 at BetFred. Ex-Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian and partner Brian Fortuna can be taken at 9/4 with Bet365, and other Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle with Natalie Lowe are best priced at 5/1 at PaddyPower.

Miss World 2009
This takes place on December 12, so there is still some time to get some betting done. This showcase of feminine beauty is the biggest ever in terms of competitors, but the sports books still have a pretty good idea who is going to win out. After all, in a field of runners, there has to be a favourite. So what we have this year, is a flood of backing for Miss Puerto Rico 15/8 at BetFred and Miss Mexico 9/4 at Blue Square, who are the favourites to take the title. The UK in the market, is best represented by Miss Scotland, Katharine Brown 25/1 at Boylesports. Miss England, Katrina Hodge, a former member of the army is a long way out at 80/1 with Paddy Power. She is a replacement for Rachel Christie who was crowned Miss England, but had to step down after a host of allegations about her getting into a punch up. With a bevy of 112 women to chose from, narrowing the field is going to be somewhat difficult. Best bet would be try and find some live in running betting if possible for the competition, which is being held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Alternatively look for each-way bets, or top three fnishes. Miss Costa Rica is an extremely nice outside bet at 40/1 at Bet365, and Miss France is a stunning 14/1 at Boylesports.

Christmas
There is always the popular bet of whether it will be a White Christmas or not. Paddy Power offers 7/2 on a White Christmas in London, and an amusing 1/6 at Paddy Power for Moscow to have one. For this White Christmas market, you bet for or against it happening in a host of cities across the world. One other famous Christmas betting market, is of course, the coveted spot of having the Christmas Number One Single. The frightening list as far as music connoisseurs go, is this: X Factor Winner 2/7 at BetFred, Rage Against the Machine – 10/3 at SkyBet, Miley Cyrus – 20/1 at William Hill, The Muppets – 33/1 at SkyBet and Susan Boyle – 33/1 at BetFred. Other Christmas markets available are things such as What The Queen Will Say First, Top Christmas TV Special, Number One Album, Number One DVD, Number One Toy and Number One Sports Autobiography. There is also a field for the first Eligible Bachelor to Get Engaged, which is Colin Farrell 11/8 at Paddy Power.

Sports Personality of the Year
This happens on the weekend as well, as the general British populous get to vote on who exactly who they perceive to be the best British Athlete to capture the imagination of the public. Jenson Button 10/11 at 888Sport is the clear favourite, after winning the Formula One Driver’s World Championship. One nominee to watch out for though is Heptathlon star Jessica Ennis 11/2 at 888Sport. She has taken on the world in tough sport and has triumphed, and is a good bet to at least get in the top three. The same can be said of Manchester United’s footballer Ryan Giggs 3/1 at BetFred, as he will probably get in the top three at least.

Eurovision
Yes it is early as the 2010 Eurovision does not take place until next May. But, if a bit of Terry Wogan and Eurovision is your thing, you can get on the track early. Both the UK and Ireland can be taken to win at 33/1 at Boylesports