You can put your money into all kinds of competitions around the world. We all know about F1 or motorsports. However, you can also find unusual races to bet on.
OK, this is a bit funny. Shetland ponies are tiny horses ridden by children, and some no-limit bookies allow you to bet on them. It’s a wild ride and one of the many strange sports to bet on.
Not the most bizarre one, if you can believe it. You can also bet on zebras or ducks racing to the finish line, which we’ll discuss below.
Wikipedia.org: Shetland pony Grand National in the UK
Zebra races are famous in Africa, even though they don’t trump horse racing. Zebras are as fast as horses, so it’s a thrilling ride from start to finish. Still, some bookies compared it to horse racing betting, and it’s quite a renowned market.
Fancy your chances? Find a European bookie that offers this strangely competitive event and enjoy.
Wikipedia.org: Walter Rothschild with a zebra carriage
Duck racers breed competitive ducks that can finish the top contests. It’s just like horse racing. Many factors impact the outcome, which is held in specially-designed pools. There’s a whole culture behind this particular animal bet racing market, so you better prepare before you put your money down. First, explore BetZillion’s subtlety, then make a decision.
Wikipedia.org: Great British Duck Race 2007
No, it’s not a joke. While we wouldn’t even sit on an ostrich for a picture, some people like to ride them. They’re indeed bred for it, but it’s one of the most unusual animal races you can bet on. The animal is ridden with special harnesses not unlike on a horse, but, as expected, they’re much more challenging to control than any other animals.
Thoroughbred ostriches are also used, so you’re not just racing some random animal. Still, it’s not something we’d try, but we would put money into it after proper research.
Wikipedia.org: Ostrich racing at Canterbury Park
Everyone could see this coming from miles away. Compared to other animal races to bet on, this one’s a bit slower. Pigs are not known as fast animals, making this event so exciting. There’s no question that the relaxed atmosphere makes it an excellent betting pick.
We must admit that it’s one of the strangest animal markets, but at the same time, it might be one of the most exciting because of the pace. Plus, it’s a much more common option at sportsbooks than duck racing or the ones below.
Wikipedia.org: Pigs race away from the starting gate
Mice are great at solving mazes in experiments, but apparently, they are also competitive contestants. Imagine a field of mice all ready and willing to take the crown. Surprisingly, these events tend to be very competitive – in betting. If you want to bet on animal races, it probably doesn’t get weirder than this.
Crypto bookies have decent odds for these markets; the only complaint we can think of is that there aren’t many of them.
Can camels do more than walk the hot sands of the Sahara? Popular in Egypt and Africa, camel racing is almost equal to horse racing. Betting is a big part; many make money this way in third-world countries.
Africa and the Middle East love betting on camel favorites. If this looks appealing and in no way strange to you, we’d suggest visiting casinos that accept those particular players.
Wikipedia.org: Camel racing in Maralal, Kenya
We’ve heard of greyhounds, but dachshunds? It’s quite unusual. They’re not built for this thing, but some people are adamant these events are even more competitive. We admit it – it’s funny looking at the elongated dogs’ run with their tiny feet to the finish line, probably chasing a rabbit. Or a squirrel. One thing’s for sure – any dog is lightning-fast when there’s another animal to hunt, even if it’s a metal one like those they use.
Betting on the outcome is a fun way to spend the day. The odds are certainly better than a horse race. If you spot a fast withdrawal bookie offering a bet animal in this particular niche, we’d suggest trying it. Of course, you should analyse the situation first, but our site has plenty of guides to find a strategy that might work.
Snails are relatively slow gastropods, so they differ greatly from any ridden animal on this list. But, if you want to take things slow, these are the animal races to bet on. The rules are slightly different. A circle is drawn around the group of snails, and whoever gets out first wins it.
There’s a tough snail racing market and bookies that offer odds, so if you’re looking for a way in, it won’t be a problem.
Wikipedia.org: Snails before the competition
Tortoise competitions have been held for a long time, yet another slow-paced battle. It’s an exciting sport in many tropical countries and US states and among the most unusual races to bet in Colorado and the country.
Tortoises are bred for this matter, bringing their owners dividends when they win not-so-fast.
Wikipedia.org: Turtle racing
Believe it or not, some of the markets we’ve mentioned above make an appearance at the biggest new bookmakers in the industry. There are some strange events involving animals and a booming weird animal races betting market. The odds are great, too, since there are only a handful of bettors on some of them, each hoping to win the jackpot.
Competition is fierce, and the animals are bred for this, so you must analyze each individual and prepare for many scenarios. For all their weirdness, there’s no question that these events are exciting too. It’s a great way to get out of the typical football rut, so we strongly recommend putting your money on any of them.
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a novice, the diverse range of betting options ensures excitement with every race. Cheers to an unforgettable betting experience!