Betting on Curling News - Curling: The Unexpected Powerhouse of Milan Cortina 2026 Betting

Curling: The Unexpected Powerhouse of Milan Cortina 2026 Betting

While hockey remains the traditional heavyweight of winter sports betting, the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has revealed a surprising contender for the “bettor’s choice”: Curling.

What was once considered a “quirky” niche sport has officially become a betting magnet. Industry experts are reporting a massive surge in interest, with the curling “handle”—the total amount wagered—expected to top seven figures for the first time during an Olympic cycle.

Why Is Everyone Betting on the “Roaring Game”?

Oddsmakers at major books like Caesars and BetMGM have noted a significant “curling-hockey split” that they didn’t see coming. Several factors are driving this surge:

The “Live” Factor: Unlike speedskating or downhill skiing, which can be over in seconds, a curling match lasts hours. This provides a massive window for live betting, with frequent lead changes and strategic shifts that keep the odds moving.
Controversy and Drama: The 2026 Games have been rocked by allegations of rule-breaking and “cheating” regarding stone-touching infractions. This “dash of controversy” has kept curling in the headlines, piquing the curiosity of casual bettors.
Accessibility: As BetMGM analysts put it, the sport is “easy to watch and understand quickly.” You don’t need to be an expert to see who is closest to the button.

Current Odds & Market Trends

In the U.S. and Canada, patriotic betting is at an all-time high. While European bettors tend to play the numbers, North Americans are “blindly” backing their home teams.

Event	Current Favorite	Market Insight
Women’s Team	Canada (-210)	Rachel Homan’s rink is the heavy favorite, though Switzerland (+240) is seen as a strong value pick.
Men’s Team	Switzerland / Canada (Tied)	Both sit around +135, with Sweden looking to rebound after an uncharacteristic 0-2 start.
Mixed Doubles	Sweden (Gold)	Sweden already secured gold, beating the U.S. in a highly bet-on final.

Pro Tip: Look for “over/under” markets on total stones scored. With the 2026 ice playing particularly “fast,” high-scoring ends have been more common than in Beijing.

The Risks: Betting Smart and Staying Safe

The expansion of legalized sports betting in the U.S. has made it easier than ever to place a wager, but it comes with increased responsibility. Public health advocates warn that Olympic-sized excitement can lead to “chasing losses.”

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling:

Checking scores obsessively for games you aren’t even watching.
Betting more than you can afford to lose.
Feeling irritable or anxious when you aren’t “in the action.”