Political betting online offers a range of bet types, most of which are futures bets. From predicting election outcomes to wagering on party leaders, there’s a way to bet on nearly every aspect of politics.
This is the most straightforward bet, where you predict the winner of a specific election.
Example: Betting on who will win the upcoming US Presidential election.
Expert Tip: Before placing your bets, examine historical trends and recent polling data to gain insight into candidates’ odds.
Majority bets let you predict which party will secure the majority in a governing body (e.g., the House, Senate, or Parliament).
Example: Betting on which party will gain control of the US Senate in the next election.
Expert Tip: Research national sentiment and recent legislative trends to gauge which party has the momentum going into the election.
This bet involves predicting the margin, or difference in votes, by which a candidate or party will win an election.
Example: Betting that a candidate will win by more than 5% in the upcoming US election.
Expert Tip: Analyze voter turnout trends, as they can significantly impact the winning margin in close races.
This type of bet involves wagering on which political party will win a specific election.
Example: Betting on whether the Democratic or Republican Party will win the next gubernatorial election (an election to choose the governor) in a key state.
Expert Tip: Watch for emerging party platforms and key endorsements, as they can sway public opinion and party odds.
This bet allows you to predict who will become the leader of a political party.
Example: Betting on who will be the next leader of the UK Labour Party.
Expert Tip: Research candidates’ backgrounds and previous roles, as these often influence party members’ votes in leadership elections.
Prop bets are wagers on specific political events or occurrences rather than simple election outcomes. They are typically less complex, making them a fun way for beginners to explore political betting.
Example: Betting on whether the presidential inauguration speech will exceed 20 minutes.
Expert Tip: Prop bets often hinge on timely political developments. Use current news cycles to gauge the likelihood of certain events.
When betting on popular global political events, there are several crucial factors worth examining. An event’s frequency, impact, and the odds offered by sportsbooks can have a major impact on your betting strategy. To gamble on US-specific events, check out our US Presidential Election betting guide. Let’s take a closer look at some popular global political events:
This bet predicts which country might follow the UK’s example by leaving the European Union. Bovada lets you bet on the likelihood of specific countries making an EU exit within a set timeframe.
The Canadian federal elections to determine the next Prime Minister and the governing party occur every four years. You can wager on which party will win the most seats, who will become the next PM, and the margin of victory for specific regions at BetPlays Sportsbook.
These appointments occur when a new justice receives a nomination to join the Supreme Court. At BetUS, you can bet on the nominee’s political leanings, the likelihood of confirmation, and how long the process will take.
Referendums are public votes on specific political issues with nationwide significance. They can shape a country’s future independence, policy changes, or EU membership, making them highly engaging to bet on. You can wager on the outcome (for or against), voter turnout, or the margin of victory at Bovada.
Bovada is the ideal political betting site for beginners. Its user-friendly interface and dedicated “Politics” menu make it easy to navigate. Their Help Center also offers tips like how to make props, including unique options like wagering on Joe Biden’s Halloween costume.
The legality of political betting varies worldwide. For instance, domestic sportsbooks in the UK offer political wagers. Meanwhile, residents of the US and Canada can only place political wagers using licensed offshore sites. Understanding your region’s specific rules is essential for a safe betting experience.
Check out our guide to offshore sportsbooks to find secure, reliable sites for betting on politics. Find peace of mind and plenty of options for an entertaining, accessible betting experience wherever you are. Let’s take a closer look:
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) prohibits US sportsbooks from including political wagers. Still, that may change. One recent court ruling indicates that regulating the political betting market is evolving. Meanwhile, offshore sportsbooks provide a reliable and engaging way to bet on the US elections, party races, and more. Those interested in the US presidential election can find competitive odds at our top offshore sportsbooks.
Like in the US, Canadian residents can only participate in political betting through offshore sportsbooks. While Canada’s Bill C-218 legalized single-game sports betting, political betting isn’t offered through provincial agencies. However, our recommended offshore sites allow you to bet on the federal election, leadership races, and other props. Try your hand at predicting election winners or wagering on party leadership outcomes.
The UK has a long-standing tradition of legalized political betting through both offshore and domestic sportsbooks. The UK Gambling Commission oversees domestic political betting under the Gambling Act 2005. You can wager on general election outcomes, party leadership races, and unique prop bets. Still, our recommended offshore sites provide broader political betting markets than domestic options. They also carry the added security of international regulations and the convenience of betting from home.
Research and strategy are essential to successful political betting. Plenty of data is available to give you an edge and help you make better decisions. Explore these tips to learn how to analyze trends, stay informed, and time your bets:
Analyzing polling data and election trends can give you a solid foundation for your bets. Polls provide a snapshot of public opinion, showing which candidates or parties are leading. Polls can differ, so use multiple sources for a well-rounded view. Understanding past election trends can also help you identify patterns. Studying data like this makes it easier to make confident predictions based on solid information.
Placing your bets early lets you secure favorable odds before public interest can affect the lines. As elections approach, their initial betting odds may change. By placing your bets early, you can take advantage of lines that haven’t yet adjusted to new data or trends.
Political developments can quickly influence betting markets, so staying informed is essential. Major news stories, debates, or campaign updates can shift the odds, creating new opportunities or risks. Following current events and credible news cycles keeps you in the loop, so you’re ready to respond to breaking news that could impact your bets. It also gives you a better understanding of how events shape the odds, giving you an advantage over less-informed bettors.
Tracking betting lines helps you see how odds change in response to new information or public sentiment. Watching these shifts can indicate emerging trends or reflect major news impacts. By regularly checking the line movements, you can spot patterns that might signal a strategic opportunity. You can also make more timely decisions, potentially locking in value before others catch on. This approach gives you a strategic edge, as you’re actively responding to market signals.
We encourage all players to gamble responsibly. Remember that online betting is a form of entertainment, not a source of income. Set loss limits and time limits. Budget your bankroll ahead of time to avoid losing more than you can afford to. Keeping these tips in mind will help you have fun and remain a responsible gambler.
If you are over-preoccupied with thoughts about gambling or exceed your budget regularly, you might benefit from some help. Consider the resources below if you recognize the warning signs and symptoms in yourself or a loved one:
Political betting provides a unique and exciting way to engage with global events. We’ve covered legal options in the US, Canada, and the UK, along with top tips and strategies for success. Bovada offers a user-friendly interface and helpful resources for an excellent betting experience.
Remember to research polling data to get a sense of likely outcomes and stay updated on news cycles so you can react to changing odds. From betting on elections to unique props, our strategies can help you have a successful political betting journey.
About the Author
Jen Geoghegan is a contributor at The Sports Geek with a focus on entertainment, politics, and news. She joined the team in February 2024. Holding a BA in English from the University of Guelph, Jen combines her writing prowess with her ever-expanding knowledge of the industry. Outside work, she enjoys outdoor activities like camping and skiing with her family.
