Curious Curling Draws Big Bets at Milan Cortina Games

A Surge in Wagering on a Traditionally Quiet Sport

Curling, known for its gliding stones and precise sweeping tactics, has surged as a hotbed of betting activity during the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. While hockey traditionally dominates wagering, oddsmakers are noting a sharp rise in interest for curling matches—especially after the Swedish team captured gold in mixed doubles.

Why Curling Is Attracting More Bets

• Record‑Setting Betting Volume
  The betting volume on curling is projected to far exceed last year’s figures, buoyed by the expansion of legal sports gambling across the United States and favorable time zones that allow live coverage.

• Seven‑Figure Potential
  A senior trader at Caesars Sportsbook predicts that curling alone could bring in a seven‑figure total, surprising many industry insiders.

• Strategic Timing
  Live broadcasts during prime U.S. hours increase accessibility for American bettors, further driving the spike in wagers.

IOC Oversight and Integrity

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) keeps a close eye on wagering activity to safeguard the Games’ integrity. The IOC noted that overall betting on the 2024 Summer Olympics reached a record 11 billion euros. Even with fewer events than summer games, the Winter Games are projected to see higher betting totals than the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Bottom Line

Curling’s unexpected rise as a betting hotspot underscores the shifting dynamics of sports wagering during the Winter Olympics. While lucrative for bookmakers, stakeholders must remain vigilant about gambling risks and maintain robust oversight to protect the Games’ integrity.