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The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are actively taking place across the Twin Cities, including the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN. The event runs through June 26.
In June 2023, the online sportsbook BetOnline, which began operations in 1999 and is widely considered to be among the world's top five largest online gambling sites, sparked intense backlash by becoming the first operator to offer betting odds on the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. The move created significant controversy, leading to severe criticism from advocates, disrupted betting markets, and delayed payouts.
Once again, we are learning that BetOnline is offering betting on the 2026 Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics features millions of athletes worldwide competing in more than 30 sports, and many participants train year-round and take competition very seriously. Betting can increase viewership.
"This Special Olympics offering is something we take seriously," said BetOnline Brand Manager Dave Mason. "Our team spent weeks studying these world-class athletes — because that's what they deserve. They compete with the same heart and skill as any professional, and we approached setting odds for the USA Games with the same level of dedication and scrutiny as our biggest sporting events.
"We understand the controversy around offering odds on the Special Olympics, but we want to shine a light on how accomplished these athlete," remarked Mason. "For example, the over-under for top bench press is 375 pounds. 450 pounds for the top deadlift. The top round for the Gold Medalist golfer is over-under 69.5 strokes. Athletes have bowled perfect games. These are very talented competitors who have trained hard and qualified to compete at the highest level. We believe that having odds only legitimizes their hard work and dedication.
“And for those claiming that we are trying to profit off of this event, we would not be offering small limits of $25 to $50 if we thought we could make a profit.
BetOnline is also supporting the Special Olympics through charitable efforts. The company's ambassador, Adam "Pacman" Jones, announced on his Politely Raw show that a $25,000 donation would be made to local Special Olympics chapters in conjunction with BetOnline.
Gambling911.com reached out to the Special Olympics for comment. They provided us with the following statement.
"Neither Special Olympics nor the 2026 USA Games organizing committee are able to provide comment as neither has an affiliation with BetOnline.ag."
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
