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can you bet on the olympics

Yes, you can usually bet on the Olympics, but whether you personally can do it depends heavily on where you live and who you are (fan vs. athlete/official).

Can You Bet on the Olympics? (Quick Scoop)

1. The Basic Answer

  • In many countries, sports betting on the Olympics is legal through licensed sportsbooks, both online and in-person.
  • Laws are local : some places allow full Olympic betting, some limit it to certain events, and some ban it completely.
  • If you are an Olympic athlete, coach, official, or accredited person, you are prohibited from betting on Olympic events under IOC integrity rules.

2. How Legal It Is (By Region, Big Picture)

  • United States :
    • Sports betting expanded after the Supreme Court ended the federal PASPA ban in 2018, letting each state legalize or restrict it.
* Many states now allow betting on the Olympics, but some either ban it outright or restrict specific types of Olympic bets (for example, judged events like gymnastics or surfing).

* Some states also restrict betting if competitors are under 18.
  • Other countries :
    • “Can you bet on the Olympics?” is generally answered with “yes” in many regulated betting markets worldwide, but always with local rules and exceptions.
  • Important twist : Legal betting availability can differ:
    • By sport (basketball vs. gymnastics).
* By **bet type** (outright winner vs. in‑play or prop bets).

* By **age of athletes** (events with very young competitors often restricted).

3. Who Is NOT Allowed to Bet (IOC Rules)

From the IOC’s integrity rules:

  • Accredited persons at the Games (athletes, coaches, officials, etc.) are not allowed to place bets on Olympic events at all.
  • The IOC has specific rules against betting and any manipulation or cheating related to betting outcomes.
  • There is an integrity unit and hotlines; suspicious betting or manipulation can trigger investigations.

So: fans in legal markets can usually bet. Participants and insiders cannot.

4. What Kinds of Olympic Bets Exist?

On legal sportsbooks that offer Olympic markets, you’ll typically see things like:

  • Outright winners :
    • Who will win gold in a given event (e.g., men’s 100m, women’s gymnastics all‑around).
  • Podium / medal markets :
    • Will an athlete or team win any medal?
  • Match or heat betting :
    • Team sports (basketball, soccer, hockey) and some individual matchups.
  • Totals / props / in‑play (where allowed):
    • Points or goals totals, margin of victory, live odds as the event is happening.

Some regulators or states exclude judged events (like gymnastics, surfing, some equestrian disciplines) because subjective scoring has historically raised integrity concerns.

5. Latest News & Integrity Angle

  • Olympic betting is growing but is still not the biggest gambling market compared to major pro leagues; regulators and sportsbooks treat it cautiously.
  • Integrity agencies and the IOC use data analysis, monitoring, and partnerships to detect suspicious betting patterns and possible manipulation.
  • There is a strong focus on:
    • Preventing match‑fixing.
* Educating teams and federations about the risks and rules.

This means that while you might see more betting options for each new Games, you’ll also see more compliance checks and rule enforcement in the background.

6. If You’re Thinking About Betting

If you’re a regular fan in a place where sports betting is legal:

  1. Check your local law first
    • Confirm that online or retail sports betting is legal in your country/state, and that Olympic events are included.
  1. Use licensed platforms only
    • Stick to regulated sportsbooks; these must follow rules on fairness, age checks, and problem‑gambling protections.
  1. Expect restrictions
    • Don’t be surprised if some events (especially those with minors or judged results) are missing or limited.
  1. Bet responsibly
    • Set strict limits, treat it as entertainment, and avoid chasing losses. Many guides stress responsible gambling and avoiding any form of manipulation or insider use of information.

7. Forum-Style Take: Why People Debate This

In forum discussions and fan conversations (summarizing typical viewpoints, not quoting specific posts):

  • Pro-betting view
    • Makes watching niche events (archery, judo, rowing) more exciting.
    • Gives casual fans a reason to follow heats and qualifiers.
    • If it’s regulated, it can be safer than unregulated, offshore betting.
  • Skeptical/critical view
    • Worry about pressuring young or amateur athletes, especially where competitors are teenagers.
* Concern that judged sports are more vulnerable to corruption or “soft” manipulation.

* Fear that it commercializes a competition many still see as a symbol of fair play and national pride.

This tension is exactly why regulations are so fragmented and why the IOC bans insiders from betting at all.

8. Quick TL;DR

  • Can you bet on the Olympics?
    • Often yes, if sports betting is legal where you are and your local rules allow Olympic markets.
  • Any big catches?
    • Rules vary by country and even by state. Some events or athlete categories (especially minors and judged events) can be restricted.
  • Are athletes and officials allowed to bet?
    • No. IOC integrity rules forbid accredited persons from betting on Olympic events.

Note: This is general information, not legal advice. Always check your local laws and the rules of any betting platform you use. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.