Entertainment Betting Sites: 64 Bookmakers Compared on Reality TV, Entertainment and Novelty Bets

Best Bookmaker for Entertainment and Specials Betting

These are the ten best bookmakers in the country in regards to entertainment wagering. We’ve laid out what makes each one so good based on the extensive research that we’ve carried out.

While sports betting commands the bulk of attention when it comes to wagering, entertainment betting is grabbing ever greater attention. We’ve assessed the offering of 64 of the best online betting sites to make sense of it all and work out who does it best. Public votes, reality TV, and the casting in blockbuster films can all factor in betting, but where should you be looking to place your bets?

Top 10 Entertainment and Specials Betting Sites and Why

1. Smarkets

The best around. Smarkets scores highest among all bookmakers when it comes to stake limitations, as well as offering a very generous range of markets and events listed. If you want odds on who the next James Bond is going to be, or a roundup on the favourites for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Smarkets should be your first port of call.

2. SBK

Unsurprisingly, SBK’s offering is as good as Smarkets, but they are restricted by their app-only model. As good as their app is, it does mean that it’s not ideal for everyone. That said, their output on TV and specials is better than most, with some of the best odds around. 

3. Betfair

Jump onto Betfair’s “Special Bets” section and you can get action on anything from Love Island winners, to who will pick up gongs at the next Oscars. From odds on who will perform at the next Super Bowl halftime show, to an entire section on WWE markets. It caters to a wide range of users, all with the same slick and reliable interface that we’ve come to expect across its sports markets.

4. Paddy Power

It would be odd if Paddy Power wasn’t on this list, and didn’t offer a variety of novelty markets when it comes to entertainment and specials. Very much in keeping with it’s light-hearted brand, Paddy Power covers a decent range of betting opportunities in the TV and film world, not to mention awards shows and competitions – think Britain’s Got Talent, Eurovision, The Voice and the like. 

5. William Hill

Only just tipped by Paddy Power, William Hill has a consistently excellent offering on specials and entertainment bets. One thing that sets William Hill apart from a lot of its competitors is the merging of entertainment and sport, with odds on ESPY Awards winners right in among a tonne of reality TV markets and whether Harry Kane is going to get knighted or not. For sheer variety, William Hill is hard to beat.

6. Ladbrokes

While the actual number of markets available may not be as high as the others above Ladbrokes on this list, it still offers plenty to keep people interested, and odds to rival them all. It scores very highly on stake limitations, and even has a few novelty bets not seen on other bookmakers’ sites.

7. Coral

Easy to find on site or the app, a solid offering of markets, and very competitive odds – Coral is incredibly reliable when it comes to TV specials, in particular. Maybe not the breadth of markets compared to other bookmakers, and definitely not the same novelty bets that you may see elsewhere, but on our system it scores consistently well across most factors.

8. Betfred

While still a worthy top ten bookmaker when it comes to entertainment betting, Betfred’s Specials section can be a little tricky to locate first time around, which brings it down the list somewhat. Once there, the selection is great, making up with some interesting novelty bets rather than shed loads of markets. It’s these unique betting opportunities that sets it apart.

9. Betway

If we were just going off variety in markets, Betway would be right up at the top. As an overall package it’s not with the absolute best but you’ll find markets here that may not be anywhere else, or at least will be hard to locate on other bookmakers. In particular, the offering on UK TV programmes to bet on is greater than most, and novelty bets on current affairs can also be found.

10. Sky Bet

Rounding off the top ten is Sky Bet. Within its entertainment section they run price boosts that are often overlooked by other bookmakers in TV, music and film betting, making it a great option for anyone trying to find particular angles, or extra value in specific bets. As with boosts across its sports markets, these are clearly signposted and straightforward when it comes to taking advantage of. 

What The OLBG Team Analysed in Looking for the Best Bookmakers for Entertainment

At OLBG, we approach betting with utmost dedication and professionalism. Our team of experts meticulously assessed 64 online betting sites to curate a definitive shortlist of the top ten betting sites for entertainment and special betting in the UK. But our commitment didn't end there. We embarked on an extensive journey, immersing ourselves in the experience as authentic punters by placing bets, navigating apps, and scrutinizing every aspect of the sites.

Our mission was clear: to identify the optimal betting options for both enthusiasts and new punters, spanning diverse areas such as reality TV, awards shows, movies, and more. Through our rigorous process, we are confident that we have achieved just that. Rest assured, our comprehensive evaluations and hands-on approach ensure that we present you with the finest betting sites tailored to meet your needs effectively.

What is Specials Betting?

The shortest answer is that special bets are bets on markets that don’t involve sport. They can be referred to as entertainment bets, novelty bets, or just “specials”, basically whatever the specific bookmaker chooses. These are still events, like sports matches are events, but refer to the TV industry, film and so on.

As made clear by our top ten above, some of these markets are very predictable; what will win Best Picture at next year’s Oscars, for example. But bookmakers can put our markets for whatever they choose, so if there is something taking up the current zeitgeist, there is a chance punters will be able to bet on it.

The Data and How We Chose the Best TV Specials, Entertainment and Novelty Betting Sites

First, we put our Political betting expert Jake Ashton on analysing 64 different online bookmakers, all listed here on OLBG, to see if they offered Specials Betting, Entertainment and TV Betting and more.

Our research into entertainment betting revealed some fascinating findings. Out of the 64 bookmakers analyzed, a surprising 49 of them offered Entertainment and Specials betting options to their customers. This included a variety of categories such as TV shows, movies, and awards shows like the Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys. We even delved into sporting events like the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Our goal was to thoroughly examine the breadth and depth of these offerings, including the number of current events listed. Additionally, we wanted to explore the different betting markets available for each event. Due to the unique nature of these markets, we also looked into any rules or limitations regarding staking.

To ensure a fair assessment, we developed a straightforward scoring system, allocating a maximum of 5 points per category. To gauge the number of markets available and the corresponding odds, we relied on Jake's informed perspective, derived from his valuable experience in the field.

By approaching this research thoroughly and incorporating expert insights, we have uncovered a wealth of information about entertainment betting and its various aspects.

Here is the Data

Number of Betting Events Listed For Betting

Here we have the top 5 betting sites offering betting on Entertainment based on the number of different TV shows, awards shows, and other specials and novelty markets were available.

As expected, there was little change in the overall placement of this top 5; given the importance of a wide range of events being available, Smarkets still came out on top, followed by their sportsbook arm SBK. Changes only really happened outside the top 10

Depth and Breadth of Entertainment Betting Markets

Once we get into an event, we like a good range of markets. So if it's something like Apprentice Betting, can we choose the winner, a runner-up, next to be eliminated, or even the gender of the next to get the boot.

Again, the availability of events seemed to go hand in hand with the range of markets, so I include the data combined in the table above.

Entertainment Betting Stake Limitations

Often in specials betting markets, limitations will be placed on stakes, whereby you may not be able to bet more than £10 on certain events and markets - We don't like restrictions, so we are very happy to score up those entertainment bookies who don't stop us having more than £10 on our prediction.

Now, here, as expected, we did find a difference in the overall top ten, because whilst it is all well and good to offer a wide range of events and markets, if you cant back that up by letting your customer bet on them, then what's it all for, Welcome to the top ten to Matchbook, . They may not have such a wide choice to bet on, but being a betting exchange they do have the benefit of restrictions only being as poor as the liquidity in the market.

Summary

🎯 Our research into entertainment betting was mind-blowing! Out of 64 bookmakers, 49 offered Entertainment and Specials betting 🎉 We explored TV, movies, awards shows like the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and even sporting events! Our scoring system and Jake's expertise helped uncover a treasure trove of information 💰🎥📈

🔍📊 We wanted a fair assessment, so we created a scoring system 💯📝 Our thorough research and expert insights uncovered a wealth of information on entertainment betting! 💰🤩

Top 5 betting sites listed based on the number of events and range of markets available:

1. Smarkets (36)

2. SBK Sportsbook (36)

3. Paddy Power (32)

4. Betfair (32)

5. Ladbrokes (31)

Stake limitations can restrict betting options, but Matchbook (24) stands out as a top ten contender due to the flexibility of a betting exchange 🏦💪

These findings present a comprehensive overview of the best options for entertainment betting, ensuring a rewarding and diverse betting experience. 💼📈 

Popular Betting in Entertainment and Specials

Television series, films, reality TV, and awards - the realm of entertainment offers a wide variety of fascinating markets for betting enthusiasts. Whether you're intrigued by the suspenseful plotlines of popular TV series, eagerly anticipating casting decisions for blockbuster films, captivated by the drama of reality TV, or passionately following the glamorous world of prestigious awards, entertainment betting promises an engaging and thrilling experience.

From "whodunnit" speculations in soap operas to betting on the possible twists and turns in popular series like Game of Thrones or Succession, TV series markets are teeming with opportunities. In the film sector, you can find odds predicting which actors may land coveted roles or make predictions on box office earnings. Reality TV embraces competition, talent, and dating shows, turning every announcement into a betting opportunity. And, when it comes to awards, nothing beats the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Oscars or similar events as contenders vie for the top spots.

As we delve deeper into each of these categories, we'll uncover the various betting possibilities they offer, providing distinct insights to guide both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike in their entertainment betting journey.

TV series

These markets are often based on plot lines from popular shows. Soap operas are common for “whodunnit” type bets, but you’ll also find markets for big shows that are part of the zeitgeist. Think of Game Of Thrones, Succession, Stranger Things and Doctor Who – bookmakers will run markets on what happens to characters in these programmes.

Films

Mostly based around casting, you can find odds on which actors will be cast in particular roles (usually historic, long-running, or blockbuster type films). There can be odds offered on who the next James Bond or Superman will be, but also things like betting on the over/under on takings at the box office.

Reality TV

Competition shows, talent shows, dating shows – anything that’s popular, and where a winner is announced at the end of it, attracts punters. Britain’s Got Talent, The X Factor, The Voice, but also Love Island, I’m A Celebrity and Eurovision, will have markets open at plenty of bookmakers.

Specials and Awards

Who will be Sportsperson of the year, be chosen as Time Person of the Year - Who will be the Next Pope, it's all included in Specials Betting.

The best examples are The Oscars or perhaps closer to home, BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) awards. There will be odds on who takes home specific gongs – Best Actor, Best Picture and so on – even before the nominees are announced. Sporting events throughout the year can see the SPOTY markets changing all the time. As the weeks pass the markets mature and favourites at the head of the betting change.

Popular Entertainment and Specials Bet Types

Outright

The simplest bet there is. Just pick who you think will win a specific event., whether that is an award, a TV programme, a competition, and so on.

Place

This is a bet on who will finish in the top places of a competition. So rather than nail your colours to the mast and pick a winner, you pick someone to finish in the top two, three, four (or however many places the bookmaker is offering). There is more chance of winning, but at reduced odds.

Forecast 

If placing is slightly easier to predict then outright betting, forecasting is the harder option. These require you to pick a winner and who will be runner-up (and maybe even third as well). This is high odds, high returns, and very difficult to get right.

Prop bets

Like in sport, a prop bet concerns a particular individual doing something outside of the event’s result itself. For example, you could bet on France getting a certain amount of points in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, regardless of whether they win or not.

Pros and Cons of Entertainment Betting

Much like sports, you might already be a fan of a TV show, and watch it religiously, so have a good base knowledge to feel like you can bet particular outcomes with a degree of confidence – it’s where you might find opportunities that other bettors may overlook.

However, unlike sports, TV shows can end (no one is canceling football any time soon), so it’s possible there’s a very finite time on particular bets that you like. You’re also at the mercy of more randomness, because there’s no form to speak of, and because less bookmakers offer these markets than sports, it’s harder to line shop and options can be more limited.

Pros 

✅ Possibility to utilize your knowledge if you're a fan of specific shows or films.

✅ Adds entertainment and intrigue to watching. 🎞️🔍

✅ Rising niche in the industry. 📈🆙

Cons 

❌ Challenging to line shop and find the best odds. 🛍️🔎  

❌ Fewer markets available than sports betting. 📉💼

❌ Limited promotions, bonuses, and offers. 🎁⚠️

Why should you bet on TV shows?

While outcomes are more random, it’s definitely easier to follow and understand. You don’t need to learn niche game laws, or work out what BTTS or BOG means, you can just pick winners on shows that you watch. Whether you’re a fan of a particular programme or not, betting on it will nearly always keep you interested and engaged, and most of the time, bookmakers will have lower limits on entertainment betting, meaning it’s easier to stay within budget.

How to Place Entertainment / Special Bets?

This will differ depending on the bookmaker that you are betting with, but only slightly, as most will follow a similar pattern. And if you are used to betting on sports, it is essentially the same process. 

• Sign up to a bookmaker, creating an account in the process

• Deposit your funds

• Find the markets to bet on, choosing which that you like.

• Add to your betslip

• Enter the amount that you wish to bet

Who Created this Article?

Our team of betting experts who have collectively contributed to bringing you the most comprehensive and reliable information on the best betting sites for greyhound racing. First, we have Darren Brett, our Lead contributor, a long-standing greyhound racing enthusiast with over 30 years of experience in the industry, who sourced and analysed all the data for our betting site comparison. Next, we have Luke Bradshaw Lee, who expertly crafted the content on our page and curated the final shortlist of recommended betting sites. Finally, we have Steve Madgwick, OLBG's Editor-in-Chief, who fact-checked and ensured the accuracy and credibility of our content before publication. With their combined knowledge and expertise, we can guarantee you'll find the best greyhound betting sites with our team's recommendations.

Related Reading

Our extensive collection of articles offers deep insights into a variety of Entertainment, Special, and Novelty betting markets, acting as a holistic guide that outlines strategic approaches and key aspects to keep in mind. By exploring the core of each market, emphasizing trends and dissecting market dynamics, we equip bettors with valuable insights that can enhance their betting decisions. 

Our objective is to provide bettors with the resources they need to make educated decisions when engaging in entertainment betting. Our in-depth analysis and constant coverage help you augment your knowledge of these markets, thereby boosting the probability of successful special and novelty bets. Regardless of whether you're an experienced bettor wagering on your favorite TV shows and awards ceremonies, or a beginner contemplating on placing your first bet on Eurovision, our articles are a treasure trove of helpful guidance and insights to help you navigate the exhilarating world of entertainment betting.

ALSO READ

Top Contenders in Next James Bond Betting: Who Could Be the Perfect Agent 007?

ALSO READ

Place Your Best Bet on Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Contestants and Betting Insights

ALSO READ

Top Grossing Film Of The Year Betting

ALSO READ

The Apprentice Betting Guide (Odds, Contenders, History)

ALSO READ

Next Pope Betting Odds

ALSO READ

Christmas Number 1 2023 - Betting Odds and Info