The Top Novelty Betting Sites in the UK for 2026

When it comes to novelty betting markets, this is the primary one. Every year audiences tune in to see who will be the winner, and there is always a surprise or two in tow. It has been broadcast since 2004, and is still going strong. The main bet is to predict the winner, yet there remain other smaller bets, such as predicting a finalist or who will be eliminated next. Overall, millions of viewers tune in to watch this show each week, and as a result it is one of the most popular novelty markets available at UK bookmakers.

Much like Simon Cowell’s talent show, Strictly Come Dancing has become a mainstay on British television for audiences across the country. Since its introduction in 2004 it has been exported to 40 countries worldwide. It is an incredibly popular dance show where celebrities can showcase their talent. The main bets revolve around predicting the winner, but you can also wager on who will be knocked out, and to what stage they will progress. It is a great show, and one that has numerous fans throughout the country and the world!

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! forces a number of celebs to live together in a jungle. There, they must partake in a number of different challenges – Bushtucker Trials – from eating insects, to climbing trees. The eventual winner will be crowned ‘King’ or ‘Queen’ of the jungle. It’s been running since 2002 and shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Gambling on the show tends to focus on predicting the winner, or who will be eliminated in the next round. It is loved by the general public and is one of the top novelty markets on offer.

A cooler version of Strictly, you could say, is Dancing on Ice. Originally released in 2006, it is a terrestrial TV competitor of Strictly Come Dancing. Betting markets are largely the same: revolving around the main winner, the next stage, and when participants will be knocked out. It may not be the biggest of the four shows, but it still has a dedicated following and many people tune in every week. As a result, bookmakers consistently offer competitive odds and a decent range of markets throughout the series.

One of the most popular ways of betting on politics is predicting the result of the general election. There are also other bets available, such as an over/under on the number of seats a party will win, predicting which party will receive the most votes, or wagering on whether a specific party will achieve an outright majority. It is a market that grows with each election cycle.

Much like in the UK, the US holds an election every four years. In it the country decides who will be president for the next term. At the beginning of the race, each party has many candidates who face off against each other in primaries, before the two main nominees go head-to-head in the general election. Bookmakers offer markets throughout the entire process, from early primary odds to the final result.

Another event covered is the EU elections. You can wager on whether certain people or countries will get more votes than others, and you can also bet on who will be the next president of the EU. Overall these elections are much more frequent and as a result more bets will be available throughout the year. For many, this type of novelty betting adds an extra layer of excitement to an already intriguing campaign.

The fourth type of event covers any significant political occasion such as a referendum or leadership vote. Brexit was perhaps the most prominent one in recent times, attracting huge betting interest from across the UK and beyond. These one-off events can generate some of the most unpredictable and exciting novelty markets available, with odds shifting rapidly as political developments unfold.

One of the best examples of gossip betting is when it comes to naming a Royal baby (or even that of a celebrity). It doesn’t happen too often, but when it does, you basically have to choose one of the names from the list the bookie has compiled. Obviously, this kind of wager is so irregular that it’s truly only a fun kind of bet and isn’t one you should count on happening regularly.

A hotly contested form of gossip betting, the question of who will be the next 007 is a popular market for UK punters. With Daniel Craig having stepped away from the role, bookmakers have been offering odds on a wide range of actors. The market shifts regularly as casting rumours emerge, making it one of the most entertaining and unpredictable novelty bets around.

For this kind of market, it is integral to keep an eye on the news. When it comes to elections, this is paramount. The more you know, the better it is for you. Things change quickly: did a candidate put their foot in it? If you find out before anyone else, then you can profit from this. Setting up news alerts for key topics can give you a real edge when odds are still generous.

If you are into gossip bets, then it makes sense to follow all kinds of accounts on social media. You could be the first to get the scoop on the next Royal Baby’s name or a casting rumour that shifts the odds overnight. Following journalists, insiders and entertainment accounts puts you ahead of the curve and can help you spot value before bookmakers adjust their prices.

What you may have noticed about these kinds of bets is that they are seasonal. That means that you must plan and keep on top of things in order to get ahead. When is the next election? Which referendum is happening and when? All of these things should be on your radar, ready for you to pounce and place your wager before the odds shorten closer to the event.

Knowing past results can help you predict the outcome of novelty betting markets. Historical patterns in elections, reality TV results and award ceremonies can reveal trends that bookmakers may not fully factor into their odds. The more research you do into previous outcomes, the better placed you will be to spot value and make informed wagers.