How to Bet on Reality TV Shows
Entertainment betting is now hugely popular in the UK and gives viewers the chance to bet on absolutely anything that’s on TV – from singing and talent competitions to long-running TV series, beauty pageants, bake-offs, eating contests, and more. We all know that these shows can get somewhat predictable and washed-off as the seasons go by, so being able to place a wager is a pleasant twist to make them more entertaining. So, how do these wagers work? Pretty simple, really – let’s use a show like X-Factor or Big Brother as an example. You have a number of contestants – usually about 12. Based on statistical analysis, betting sites assign each participant an odd, with the person considered most likely to win being a 2-1 favourite. Sounds exotic enough for the world of online gambling, right? If you like the idea, just wait until you get your hands on the best British eSports betting sites.
However, if you put your money on an unlikely candidate that hardly anyone thinks will win, you can get some pretty good payouts with 80-1 odds. Let’s say you bet £5 on that long-shot winner and they actually make it – you will have yourself a nice £400 payout. Bookies also give you the option to bet on a group of finalists or the top three contestants in a show so not every bet has to be narrowed down to a singled-out winner. With some award shows, bets may be open on specific categories of awards only, for example betting on the Oscars features larger categories such as “Best Picture” and omits other smaller ones such as “Best Costume Design”.
Which Shows to Bet On?
Like we said, entertainment betting includes all kinds of TV programmes and while it may seem pretty straightforward betting on outright programmes where you bet on one winner in particular, there are also plenty of other options for betting on your favourite TV series, with the ‘who done it’ variety being the most popular among bettors. Now, obviously you’re a bit late for the bets on the next Dr Who, as it was revealed earlier this month that Broadchurch actress Jodie Whittaker will replace Peter Capaldi but bookies are now starting to accept bets on whether the Bond saga won’t follow in their footsteps and switch to a female lead for the next movie. Here are some other suggestions for what’s on telly that you can bet on:
Game of Thrones Betting Odds
With some of the highest ratings and raving reviews, Game of Thrones made TV history and due to its enormous popularity, it’s one of the shows that viewers are most willing to bet on. Of course, wagers are most placed on the ultimate question “Who will rule Westeros” with Jon Snow being the most popular choice. Here are the latest odds according to William Hill:
- Daenerys 9/4
- Jon Snow 10/3
- Tyrion Lannister 9/2
- Sansa Stark 8/1
- Petyr Baelish 10/1
- Bran Stark 11/1
- Arya Stark 12/1
- Cersei Lannister 14/1
- Jaime Lannister 25/1
- Samwell Tarly 25/1
- Euron Greyjoy 33/1
- Varys 33/1
- Yara Greyjoy 50/1
- Brienne of Tarth 66/1
- Melisandre 66/1
- Theon Greyjoy 80/1
- Gilly 100/1
As season seven of Game of Thrones progresses, we’re seeing not only bets on which characters will live and which will die (and stay dead) but also more specific ones like “Who will kill Cersei Lannister?” Well, we’ve got only five more episodes to place wagers before the mystery unravels but it’s still not too late to join in on the fun of betting.
Reality TV Shows
If you’ve missed the betting on the winner of Britain’s Got Talent, not to worry – season 18 of Big Brother is well under way and everyone is betting on the winner. X-Factor will also kick off soon – although an official date hasn’t been confirmed, we’re expecting to see last year’s judge panel take their seats at the end of August and you will be able to start betting on who will win in December soon enough. In September, the nation’s favourite show Strictly Come Dancing will be back on BBC One with a new judge as Shirley Ballas will be replacing Len Goodman, and a Christmas special again in 2017.
Betting from Your TV
With all these shows lined up, the new generation of apps accessible from your TV will certainly come in handy, as they help you place wagers from the comfort of your own living room. All the wagers available at the bookmakers are at your fingertips and you’re able to place bets and move funds with the remote control of your TV.
Paddy Power Smart TV App
The Irish bookmaker partnered with multi-platform digital media solutions provider Miomni Limited to launch a betting application enabling consumers using a TV remote control to browse available bets now and in the future for a range of betting types, with odds updated in real-time. The application is currently available via the Yahoo! Smart TV Widget on Samsung, LG, Sony and Smart televisions in the UK and Ireland and allows users to:
- Choose from their favorite events to bet on
- Select the amount of their wager
- Deposit and withdraw funds from their player account
- View their account history
Don’t Forget Your Free Bet or Bonus
If you don’t bet on the regular but you’d like to open an account and be able to place a wager on your favourite TV show, you need to be on the lookout for the free bet offers or bonuses that your chosen bookmaker may offer upon signing up. All bookies nowadays hold this kind of promotions and they usually come in the form of either free bets or deposit bonuses.
With the “Free Bets” type, you’ll first need to place a bet of your own money in order to be rewarded with a free bet for the same amount that can be used on something else. For example, if you bet £25, you get a £25 free bet. However, sometimes the terms might be more beneficial and you might only need to bet £10 to get £30 in free bets.
For the “Deposit Bonus” bookmakers credit bonus funds to your account based on how much you’ve initially deposited with the company. This is usually a 100% deposit bonus. For example, if you deposit £20, you will get a £20 bonus straight away. You can then use the funds as you wish and place as many bets as you like but keep in mind that you won’t be able to withdraw the bonus directly – only the money you win when betting it.
Lovely enough, not only reality TV betting can bring tempting bonuses in your hands. There are many gambling products that you can play, like for example, in the best slot sites you can enjoy a number of games of chance and receive very rewarding offers as well.
