When most people think of sports betting, football, horse racing, or tennis usually come to mind. But what about winter sports? From thrilling alpine skiing races to high-flying snowboarding events, winter sports offer drama, unpredictability, and world-class athletes—so it’s natural to wonder if people place bets on them too when registering a new account on MozzartBet. The short answer is: yes, they do. But let’s take a deeper look at how and why betting on winter sports has carved out its own niche in the world of sports wagering.
A Seasonal But Growing Market
Winter sports betting tends to be seasonal, peaking during specific events such as the Winter Olympics, World Cups, and annual tournaments in ice hockey, ski jumping, or biathlon. Unlike year-round sports like football, winter sports don’t dominate the betting markets every day—but when they’re on, interest can spike dramatically.
Thanks to online sportsbooks and global broadcasts, punters from all over the world can now easily place bets on niche events that were once hard to access. The growth of streaming services and detailed coverage has helped bring more visibility to winter sports, increasing their appeal among bettors.
Popular Winter Sports for Betting
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is easily the most bet-on winter sport, especially in countries like Canada, the United States, Russia, Sweden, and Finland. The NHL (National Hockey League) draws massive global attention, and betting options include match winners, goalscorers, and total goals.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Events such as downhill, slalom, and freestyle skiing draw attention during major championships. Bettors typically wager on race winners or podium finishes, though weather and conditions can make outcomes more unpredictable.
Biathlon
A fascinating mix of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, biathlon is hugely popular in parts of Europe like Germany and Norway. Betting on biathlon usually involves picking race winners or national teams in relay events.
Ski Jumping
While not as widespread as ice hockey, ski jumping has a loyal fan base in Central Europe. Major competitions like the Four Hills Tournament or World Cup events offer betting markets such as outright winners and points totals.
Figure Skating
Though figure skating isn’t known for its betting scene, major events like the Winter Olympics do draw casual interest—especially in countries where the sport has national icons.
Challenges in Winter Sports Betting
Betting on winter sports comes with unique challenges. Weather conditions, altitude, and visibility can greatly affect performance and sometimes delay or cancel events. In addition, some sports rely on judged performances (like figure skating), which can make outcomes more subjective and harder to predict.
Another challenge is familiarity. Since many winter sports are not part of the everyday sports conversation, casual bettors may shy away due to a lack of understanding or statistics.
Who Bets on Winter Sports?
Fans from countries with strong winter sports traditions—such as Austria, Norway, Switzerland, and Canada—are more likely to place bets on these events. However, thanks to international coverage and digital platforms, interest is spreading. Events like the Winter Olympics act as a global showcase and often see a surge in both viewership and betting.
While winter sports may not dominate the betting scene year-round, they absolutely have their moment in the spotlight—especially during major international events. Ice hockey leads the charge, but other disciplines like skiing, snowboarding, and biathlon are gaining ground.
So, do people bet on winter sports? Yes – and as technology, media coverage, and global interest continue to grow, more people are discovering the icy thrills of wagering on snow-covered competition.