Bet On The Winter Olympics In China As LA Starts Preparing

Image source: Eileen, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Norway are the sensible bet on the Winter Olympics. You’ll find the odds on Norway getting the most gold medals the shortest at present. However whilst they fight off competition from the likes of Germany and Russia OC, the IOC is thinking ahead. So as Bet365 and other online betting sites in China offer up competitive Winter Olympics odds, they’re having to shelf some books. Boxing, Weightlifting and the Modern Pentathlon are all under threat of vanishing.  No one seriously bet on the Winter Olympics looking or feeling normal. There’s a diplomatic boycott, the Chinese security services have bugged everyone and Russia are still competing. Any jokes about that OC not meaning Olympic Committee but Obviously Corrupt are unhelpful. Still, the games have got underway and so far they haven’t jailed anyone for asking about the Uighurs. Probably because everyone there is studiously avoiding mentioning them. Especially the IOC. The IOC has focused instead on the future. They’ve bet on the Winter Olympics becoming a harder and harder sell. China can afford the cost of this positive publicity, most nations can’t. Even placing the Summer games is a tricky business now. That’s why Los Angeles got a games again despite their appalling efforts last time. No one else really wants them. Although some who like to bet on sports in China at bet365 may have noticed not all sports are getting to those US games.

IOC Ditches Boxing, Weightlifting & The Pentathlon

Whilst you attempt to pick the best odds on the Luge or find a good bet on the Bobsleigh the IOC is getting serious. They want a “strong focus on youth” at the LA games. Apparently. That’s why you’ll be able to bet on skateboarding or sport climbing and even find odds on surfing in LA. After all if you’re willing to have curling as your bet on the Winter Olympics why wouldn’t you bet on surfing? Of course, the IOC’s youth focus has pretty much culled the Modern Pentathlon.

Olympics Most Gold Medals Odds 

• Switzerland – 150/1
• Sweden – 100/1
• China – 45/1
• Netherlands – 45/1
• USA – 16/1
• Canada – 12/1
• Germany – 7/2
• Russia OC – 5/2
• Norway – 3/10

The Modern Pentathlon isn’t modern. It’s basically a test of 19th century military skills. The most out of place of which has always been the show jumping. Even before the Tokyo horse-punching outrage, it’s not sat well. You might bet on the Winter Olympics raising some political hackles, but not harming innocent animals. So they’re ditching that and looking for a replacement. That said those who frequent online sportsbook sites in China may find other absences more shocking.

Bet365 Has Your Bet On The Winter Olympics

Unless they sort themselves out you won’t find any odds on Boxing for the LA games. You won’t find a bet on the Weightlifting either. They’re both off the menu for the time being. Boxing because the referees were all rigging matches, weightlifting because everyone was doping. Classic stuff. So, as you bet on the Winter Olympics spare a thought for the fans these two sports betrayed. These weren’t fringe events, but long standing Olympic sports now languishing in disgrace. 

“All changes resulting from the consultation process will be implemented in time for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Summer Games.”

• UIPM Statement

Of course, you can bet on the Winter Olympics to involve some doping or fixing scandals too. It’s just with the current background it’s possible no one will really notice. They’re certainly not going to make a fuss. Any Chinese gambling laws were relaxed over the Olympic period will find themselves in very hot water. The crackdown was palpable. We should expect this. Soon the only nations able to afford the Olympics will be those wholly unsuitable to hold them anyway.

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We take a look at why whilst you can safely bet on the Winter Olympics you might want to hold off on your weightlifting wagers going forward.