The Wierd and Wonderful World of Novelty Sports Bets

This week, a novelty sports bet caused unrest  in the Church of England of all places, as well as at bookmakers Ladbrokes and William Hill. The question "Who will be the next Archbishop of Canterbury" attracted a sudden surge in bets, such that the bookies were continually slashing the odds every couple of hours. Finally, on Tuesday the bet was suspended entirely, on suspicion that insider trading had been taking place. Indeed, it was later discovered that a group of South West London residents had opened accounts for the sole purpose of betting on candidate Justin Welby, current Bishop of Durham. What a holy mess.

For the most part, novelty bets or special bets have always been considered a little bit of harmless fun: a bit of light entertainment. And goodness knows there is no shortage of questions to bet on with topics ranging from TV, politics and of course, by far the most popular 'Who will be Christmas No.1 in the music charts?'

Off the beaten track

You don't have to look very far to find the more unusual sports bets out there: Currently, Oddschecker is inviting punters to bet on the hair color of Prince Will's and Kate's first baby. Far stranger, they are also asking 'which country will have the first proven contact with aliens?', a question best left for patient types.

Other unusual bets on the market are 'Who will direct the 50 Shades of Grey' movie, and, curiously. 'What are the chances the next James Bond will be black'? 

But nothing has yet has eclipsed the legendary sports bet on 'Who killed Dallas' JR' in 1980.

For a broad and entertaining range of sports bet specials, head to Ladbrokes & William Hill.