Curling Emerges as Surprise Betting Hit at Milan-Cortina Olympics

Olympic curling becomes an unexpected betting magnet at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, as fans flock to betting windows.

One of the Olympics’ quirkiest sports has quietly turned into a sportsbook standout.

Curling, long viewed as a niche Winter Games event, is drawing significant wagering interest at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, according to sportsbook data and industry analysts. Over the past few Olympics, analysts have reported increased betting interest.

For operators, it is another reminder that Olympic betting often produces unexpected volume in markets casual fans only follow once every four years.

---

Why Curling Is Driving Handle

Curling checks several boxes that make it ideal for betting:

• Clear scoring system
• Slow pace that allows in-play wagering
• Frequent matches throughout the tournament
• Competitive parity among top nations

Unlike marquee events that attract heavy favorite betting, curling often presents tightly priced matchups. That balance can generate sustained betting engagement from recreational and sharper bettors alike.

What makes curling attractive to sportsbooks:

• Consistent match schedule enabling daily betting opportunities
• Live betting windows during each end
• Manageable scoring swings
• Underdog volatility creating value spots

For bettors seeking alternative markets beyond hockey and figure skating, curling has become a logical target.

---

Olympic Betting Always Creates Surprises

Major global events like the Winter Olympics routinely elevate sports that otherwise draw minimal betting interest.

Operators report that during Olympic cycles, niche disciplines often see sharp handle spikes due to increased visibility and broadcast exposure.

In past Games, sports such as biathlon and short-track speed skating have experienced similar betting surges. Curling appears to be the breakout performer in Milan-Cortina.

From an insider standpoint, this is not entirely surprising. Olympic bettors often chase novelty markets and look for edges in less heavily modeled sports.

---

The In-Play Advantage

Curling’s structure lends itself to live betting.

Each match is broken into ends, creating natural pause points where sportsbooks can adjust lines. Bettors can react to momentum swings, late scoring opportunities, or hammer possession dynamics.

This format keeps engagement high throughout the match rather than concentrating wagers solely on pre-match moneylines.

Operators have increasingly leaned into:

• Live spread adjustments
• End-by-end betting options
• Totals markets
• Nation-to-win futures

The more betting windows available, the more total handle potential.

---

What This Means for Sportsbooks

For major operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, and international platforms covering Olympic markets, curling’s popularity reinforces a key growth strategy.

Expanding depth in secondary sports can drive incremental revenue without relying solely on traditional mainstays like football or basketball.

Industry implications:

• Niche sports can generate meaningful event-driven handle
• Live betting continues to fuel engagement
• Olympic cycles create temporary but lucrative volume spikes
• Data modeling for smaller sports is becoming more refined

For bettors, the appeal lies in opportunity. Smaller markets sometimes offer softer pricing compared to heavily bet U.S. sports.

---

A Four-Year Betting Cycle Boost

The Olympic effect is cyclical. Interest will likely taper once the Games conclude.

However, each Olympic cycle introduces new bettors to alternative sports markets. Some will continue wagering on international curling events long after the Olympic spotlight fades.

For now, curling’s unexpected rise as a betting magnet in Milan-Cortina underscores a broader truth in sports wagering.

When global attention converges on a sport, betting interest follows. Even if that sport involves sliding granite stones across ice.

Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.