Celebrate Paralympics with Online Betting

The London 2012 Olympic Games smashed records for online betting turnover last month, and the sportsbook fun continues through to September 9 with the Paralympics - commonly known as the Special Olympics.

The 2012 Summer Paralympic Games celebrate the sporting talent of people with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities, including but not limited to amputations, blindless and mobility disabilities. As is usually the case, they follow the 2012 London Games, capping off a huge month of international sport.

This year's games bring together over 4,200 Paralympics athletes from more than 160 nations, meaning the majority of nations that contributed participants to the regular Summer Olympics also contribute to the Paralympics. Interest is particularly high in host nation Great Britain.

This year's Paralympic Games have been a huge success, with more than 11 million viewers in Britain alone tuning in to see the dramatic opening ceremony. Interest seems to have been higher than in past years, with Olympic fans keen to keep the good vibe of the Games going and to celebrate the contribution of disabled athletes.

China looks set to top the medal tally, already having 35 gold medals from a total of 87 by the start of play Monday. Great Britain is in the box seat for second, with 16 gold medals, followed by Australia, which has 14 golds. Ukraine, Russia, the US and Brazil will also come home with a stack of medals to show for their efforts.

Not surprisingly, these games have attracted less attention from punters and sportsbook than the bigger event that took place last month. But nonetheless, there are still some chances of placing a wager for those who take an interest in the Paralympics or are just looking for somewhere to bet during the week.

William Hill has been and is still offering specials on a number of events featuring British paralympians, including whether Steve Morris, Jonnie Peacock, Mickey Bushell, Dan Greaves and Jon-Allen Butterworth will win gold medals in their respective track and field events.