The calendar is dominated by sport, but there is a greater significance on some events. This year promises to be one of the biggest for the gambling market, as there are a host of competitions taking place and annual events that will add intrigue. These events are saved in the diaries of all sports fans from the very first day of the year, but they will soon come around thick and fast. But, which events should punters be keeping a close eye on in 2020?
Conor McGregor’s Return To The Octagon
One of the most talked-about sporting superstars on the globe makes his long-awaited comeback to the UFC in January, where he will face off against Donald Cerrone in Las Vegas. The Irishman hasn’t been seen in the Octagon since his defeat against Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor was forced to submit in the fourth round against the Russian, and MMA fans are already hoping that a re-match could be on the cards this year.
In order to make that dream fight happen, he will first have to navigate his way past Cerrone. Cowboy is one of the most respected fighters in the UFC, and he currently holds the record for the most bouts with the company. Cerrone has been in disappointing form recently, and was beaten in his last two outings against Justin Gaethje and Tony Ferguson. Punters will feel that there is a slim chance that McGregor will lose on his big comeback.
Super Bowl LV
As is typically the case, the Super Bowl will be one of the most betted on sporting events this year. The New England Patriots crashed out in the playoff round, which means there will be a new name on the Vince Lombardi trophy this year, and punters will be hoping they can pick the winner before the big night in Miami. Punters looking for the most reliable sportsbooks shouldn’t look past OffshoreSportsbooks.com who provide great options for NFL events.
The ante-post market will be hugely popular in the build-up to the 7th February, but on the night there will be an array of different markets for punters to take advantage of. They will include the match-winner, over/under points and staking on the player that will score the first touchdown. As well as that, punters will also get to bet on the novelty markets that come with the Super Bowl, such as the colour of the Gatorade shower and what songs the half time performer will sing.
World’s Greatest Steeplechase
All eyes will be on Aintree on the first Saturday in April, as the world’s most expensive jumps race takes centre stage. The 40-strong field will tackle the four-mile course, which consists of 30 fences for the chance to walk away for £1 million. Not only that, but the winning horses are immortalized into folklore.
Tiger Roll is the two-time defending champion after he was led home by Davy Russell in 2019 to become the first back to back winner of the Grand National since Red Rum in 1974. It was also only the tenth time since the Second World War that the favourite before the race went onto win. Tiger Roll will once again be the favourite to win the Grand National, as he looks to make history and become the first-ever horse to win the race in three consecutive years.
Football European Championships
The biggest event of the summer will see the very best players in European football take to the stage in the hope of leading their country to success. The competition has 12 host cities for the first time in its history, before the semi-finals and final are held at Wembley. The month-long event will keep punters on the edge of their seats are there will be various ways to ensure profit.
Punters can bet on each individual match by placing their stake on the winning team, both teams to score or on the over/under markets. The ante-post markets will also be hugely popular, as punters look to bet their stake on the team that will win the competition or the player that will end the tournament as the top scorer. The leading chances for the championship include England, France, Spain and Germany. Football fans won’t be able to take their eyes off the action.
Olympic Games
It only happens every four years, and it is the biggest spectacle in the world of sport. The Olympic Games will take the world by storm in July, as superstars bid for their chance at immortality in Tokyo. Sports such as skateboarding, surfing and karate will be making their Olympic debuts, while it will also be the first games without Usain Bolt as a competitor.
The track events will be some of the most betted on events during the games, with most of the events appearing to be pretty open. There hasn’t been a new superstar to take over Bolt’s crown just yet, but there will be a lot of anticipation to see who can come out on top between Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman. The women’s events will also be intriguing with Dina Asher-Smith appearing on the scene to challenge Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s dominance.
Can America Reclaim The Ryder Cup?
The biggest event on the golfing calendar this year will take place from Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. All the pressure will be on Steve Stricker’s American side as they look to regain the Ryder Cup. Padraig Harrington will lead the European side into battle. Punters will be betting on most of the fourball matches over the first two days, before the individual matches on the final day will capture their attention.
The squad’s aren’t expected to be announced until later in the year, but this promises to be one of the most competitive Ryder Cup’s in recent memory, with both sides boasting high-quality players. The USA will have their eyes on the 14 ½ points that are needed to win the cup, while Europe will be looking for at least the 14 that are needed to regain one of the most lucrative prices in golf.