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There is a big debate ongoing as to whether there should be gambling on this year's Special Olympics.
The question came up after one of the world's largest online sportsbooks, BetOnline, announced it will be taking bets on the event, which features adults and children with intellectual disabilities who range from gifted, world-class competitors to average athletes to those with limited physical ability. This is the first time in the company's nearly 25 year anniversary they will be offering odds on the Special Olympics. It is not immediately clear if BetOnline will be offering odds on all events such as those featuring competitors under the age of 18. The site does offer betting on the World Series championship.
A sampling of odds appearing Saturday included the following:
- Men's Athletics Golds by Country - Nationality Most Gold Medals Athletics
- Men's Basketball Non-Unified Winner - Basketball
- SO Non-Unified Women's Powerlifting Bench Press
- Men's Swimming Golds by Country - Swimming
- Men's Special Olympics Unified Cup Football 2023
- Men's Cycling Golds by Country - Cycling
For its part, BetOnline argues that having the ability to wager on a particular event draws more attention and interest in it.
“There’s nothing gimmicky about these odds,” BetOnline Brand Manager, Edward Knight, tells ESPN South Florida. “Just like any other sport, we’ve created Special Olympics odds behind weeks and weeks of research. These are incredibly-skilled athletes competing on an even playing field, and our oddsmakers will give these World Games the same level of attention and respect as the Super Bowl.”
As one might imagine, not everyone supports betting on the Special Olympics.
Joe Brennan, Jr, someone instrumental in getting sports gambling legislation passed in the US, argues against it.
On this “Special Olympics betting” debate today: they are neither pro athletes nor are they contestants in games between D1-NCAA programs. There shouldn’t be bets on their events, period. pic.twitter.com/zf4AdrPiV0
— Joe Brennan Jr (@joebrennanjr) June 17, 2023
"On this 'Special Olympics betting' debate today: they are neither pro athletes nor are they contestants in games between D1-NCAA programs. There shouldn’t be bets on their events, period."
He followed up: "It’s remarkable how this has brought the non-American degenerate segment out, trying to fit this in with wagering on the Macedonian U-16 sportsball league."
Would love to have someone put lines up on their events.
— Dave Horses (@nydave11) June 17, 2023
Lines=Eyeballs
Eyeballs=Ad $$$
Ad $$$=More revenue
And the feedback loop continues
Maybe this brings some viewership to the Special Olympics. Maybe they get some more sponsors and $$$. Maybe they get some donations.
And Sam posed the question: "Should there not be bets on the Olympics either?"
This year's Special Olympics takes place from Berlin during the period June 17-25.
