A general view of the venue ahead of the torch lighting ceremony for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 at Zappeion Temple on June 07, 2023 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023)
I guess it was only a matter of time. You can bet on just about any other sporting event. And now, you can bet on the Special Olympics. According to the press release I got this morning "For the first time in the 55-year history of the Special Olympics World Games, fans and viewers will be able to wager on the beloved international sporting event, which will be held in Berlin from June 17-25."
Betting odds are being offered for a dozen Special Olympics competitions across these six sports:
- Athletics (Track & Field)
- Basketball
- Cycling
- Powerlifting
- Soccer (Football)
- Swimming
BetOnline.ag has already posted odds on individual Special Olympics athletes, as well as by country. So if you've ever watched the Special Olympics Women's soccer and wished you could put money on that. Here's your chance. Germany is currently the favorite at +350. If you believe USA can take the gold, they're sitting at +450.
"There's nothing gimmicky about these odds," BetOnline Brand Manager, Edward Knight, said. "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."
Skimming across the odds, I didn't realize the United States women's swimming team was such a powerhouse. They are heavily favorited to score gold. And maybe they'll get the recognition they deserve. Recent industry reports have showed that people are as much as 76% more likely to watch a sporting event if they have placed a wager on the event.
So yes, you can now bet on the Special Olympics.
And if you're putting money down, here's the tv schedule.
Caught On Video: Bear In Gulf Of Mexico Off Florida Coast
Something You Don't Expect To See In The Gulf Of Mexico? A Bear
Well, we didn't have this on the 2023 Bingo card. A bear was spotted in the Gulf of Mexico this weekend off the coast of Florida in Destin. This comes not too long after an alligator was spotted in Florida beach waters.
We've heard of polar bears swimming in the cold waters in the north, but a bear in the gulf isn't too common.
According to an onlooker, the bear was spotted in the Gulf near the Jade East Tower Condominiums. Luckily the bear made it to the shore safely and was able to get out of sight without harm to itself or others. He or she was obviously lost and in some of the videos you'll no doubt notice it was scared. Poor baby.
We found some Facebook videos taken by those in the area on Saturday. You'll see footage taken by a scuba diver and other videos taken by vacationers. In the audio you'll hear, I guess he's on vacation too!
These Florida summers are brutally hot! We can't say we blame the guy! So glad he made his way out with no harm.
Caught On Video: Bear In Gulf Of Mexico Off Florida Coast
