The Olympic flame is burning brighter than ever, and the world’s top athletes are ready to showcase their talents on the grandest stage. From the 1st to 7th of August, we can look forward to some thrilling Olympic action. What better way to enhance the excitement than with some fantastic betting opportunities?
We’ve handpicked some of the most exciting Olympic events to bet on over the next week. But that’s not all. We’ve also got you covered with top betting tips on other big sporting events happening outside of Paris to boost your bankroll.
Discover lucrative Olympic betting opportunities, in-depth analysis on the biggest boxing and MMA clashes, expert NRL predictions, and your best bets for the NFL Hall of Fame Game in our detailed weekly sports betting preview.
We’ll be using the latest odds from bookmaker Pinnacle to analyse the best wagering prospects and help you strike gold.
Best Athletics Predictions This Week
Sha’Carri Richardson is the overwhelming favourite to win the women’s 100m sprint after many of her main rivals withdrew. As a result, we’ve turned our attention to the 200m, where the competition looks much closer. We will also examine whether Jakob Ingebrigtsen can retain his 1500m gold as his rivalry with reigning world champion Josh Kerr intensifies.
Gabrielle Thomas to Win Women’s 200m @ 2.100
The 200m is likely to be a tough event for an outsider to win, as sub-22 second finishes rarely appear out of nowhere in the warmest months of the year. Therefore, we don’t anticipate any surprises here.
Two of the world’s fastest women of all time will battle it out for the Olympic 200m crown under the Parisian sky. Shericka Jackson, the current world champion, holds the second fastest time in history at 21.41 seconds, while Gabby Thomas is not far behind in fourth place with a personal best of 21.60 seconds.
With just two weeks to go until the women’s 200m final in Paris, Thomas sent a powerful message with her victory at the London Diamond League. It wasn’t just the win that impressed, but the manner in which the 27-year-old stormed from fourth to first in the dying seconds of the race. Her incredible late acceleration left the others awestruck in her trail.
She clocked a time of 21.82 seconds, the third fastest of the season. This follows her world-leading performances of 21.78 seconds in the semi-finals and 21.81 seconds in the final of the US Olympic trials.
Jackson’s preparations for the Olympics hit a minor setback when she pulled up with a cramp in her most recent race. However, the Jamaican sprint queen has since recovered and will be looking to defend her title. Her season’s best of 22.29 seconds is a solid foundation to build on and she will hope to be back at her absolute best at the Stade de France.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 31st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Jackson’s fitness could prove decisive in this event. At her peak, the 30-year-old Jamaican is unmatched, with only Florence Griffith-Joyner’s world record 21.34-second finish standing in her way of absolute greatness. However, her current physical condition remains uncertain, so we feel Gabrielle Thomas stands the best chance this year.
The Tokyo bronze medallist has recorded the three fastest 200m times in the world this year. Unlike Jackson, she will focus solely on the 200m in Paris. Bookmaker Pinnacle has her at 2.100, while Jackson is at 2.840.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen to Win Men’s 1500m Gold Medal – No @ 2.150
The 1500m is a perennial highlight of the Olympic Games, and the fierce rivalry between Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen and world champion Josh Kerr has driven up the level of excitement even higher in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The last two global 1500m finals were unforgettable spectacles, and this year’s race is shaping up to be a classic after a year of public exchanges between the two athletes.
Ingebrigtsen, 23, is set to pursue his second Olympic 1500-metre crown, so that he can dethrone Seb Coe (1980, 1984) as the only man who defended his Olympic gold in this discipline.
Kerr, meanwhile, will aim to replicate his world championship success in Paris and extend Ingebrigtsen’s win-less streak in global 1500m finals to four since becoming the Olympic champion three years ago.
Ingebrigtsen is riding high on confidence after clocking a personal best of 3:26.74 in Monaco on July 12, which places him fourth on the all-time list.
Ingebrigtsen’s blueprint for global 1500m finals since early 2022 has been consistent: slow down between 300m and 700m and accelerate toward the end. While this strategy has proven effective in securing podium places, it has thus far yielded only silver medals.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 31st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Will the Norwegian rethink his approach in Paris after three consecutive near misses in major championships? He has shown no signs of changing his tactical approach. Ingebrigtsen’s season’s best is a staggering 1.91 seconds faster than anyone else this year, giving him immense confidence ahead of the Paris showdown.
That said, a significant caveat must be considered: Ingebrigtsen missed a substantial portion of his winter training because of Achilles injury, a factor that could prove costly on the grandest stage of all.
On top of that, the spectre of his recent major championship failures looms large. Given these uncertainties, we find the 2.150 odds offered by bookmaker Pinnacle for Ingebrigtsen to relinquish his Olympic title compelling.
Best Swimming Predictions This Week
The spotlight will fall on swimming’s biggest stage as the La Défense arena lights up for the Paris Olympics. The pool competitions will conclude on August 4th, and we’ve identified some promising betting opportunities among the various swimming disciplines.
Caeleb Dressel to Win 100m Butterfly Men @ 2.000
Caeleb Dressel etched his name into swimming history in 2017 when he became only the third man to break the 50-second barrier in the 100m freestyle, clocking a marvellous 49.86 seconds at the Budapest World Championships.
Caeleb Dressel reaffirmed his dominance in the 100m freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics, shattering his own world record with a breathtaking 49.45-second finish. Hot on his heels was Hungary’s Kristóf Milák, who ended the race in 49.68 seconds to secure silver and enter the history books as the fourth sub-50 second swimmer.
To date, an exclusive club of four swimmers – Dressel, Milák, Phelps, and Cavic – have breached the 50-second barrier in the 100m butterfly from a standing start. Dressel and Milák hold the unique distinction of achieving this feat in a textile jammer.
Given the current depth of talent, Paris could witness the emergence of multiple sub-50 second swimmers. Indeed, the competition is so fierce swimmers might have to finish somewhere within the 49-second mark to claim podium spots.
Nevertheless, we’ll place our faith on Dressel. He has proven himself the undisputed king of the 100m butterfly and has already kicked off his Paris Olympics campaign with gold as part of the US 4x100m freestyle relay team.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 31st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Dressel’s extended break from competition in 2021 and 2022 is well-known. While he hasn’t yet fully regained his peak form, recent displays suggest he’s making strides towards reclaiming his former glory.
Dressel’s Paris program is less extensive than his Tokyo campaign, with a focus on just two individual events. His busiest day will be August 2nd, featuring the 100m butterfly prelims and semis, followed by the 50m freestyle final. He has demonstrated his ability to handle a similar workload, having won both events in Indianapolis last month during the US Olympic trials.
Dressel produced an excellent 50.19-second finish to claim victory in the 100m butterfly, securing the third fastest time globally this year. Given his history of excelling at major championships, a sub-49 second swim is a distinct possibility. We strongly recommend taking advantage of bookmaker Pinnacle’s enticing 2.000 odds for a Dressel victory in this event.
Cameron McEvoy to Win Men’s 50m Freestyle Gold Medal – Yes @ 1.877
The 2023 World Championships marked the triumphant return of Cam McEvoy. After a two-year absence from major competition, McEvoy, who had fully dedicated his training to the 50-metre freestyle, emerged victorious.
The Australian sprinter progressed through the rounds with times of 21.35 and 21.25 seconds before exploding onto the scene with a blistering 21.06 seconds in the final. This not only secured him a dominant half-second victory but also established a new personal best and Oceanian record, eclipsing Ashley Callus’s long-standing super-suited mark of 21.19 seconds.
With three Olympic medals already to his name, McEvoy will create history by becoming the first Aussie male swimmer to compete at four Olympic Games when he lines up in Paris.
He clinched bronze medals in both the 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays at the Rio 2016 Olympics, before adding another bronze to his tally in the 4x100m freestyle relay at Tokyo 2020.
After a pandemic-induced hiatus from swimming, McEvoy returned with renewed vigour in 2022, implementing a training regime inspired by rock climbing and speed cycling. In June 2023, he signalled his intent with a personal best of 21.27 seconds at the Australian Trials, his first improvement in the event in over seven years. The then 29-year-old went on to clinch his maiden individual world title with a stunning 21.06 seconds, propelling him into fourth place on the all-time rankings.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 31st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
McEvoy’s strong form appeared to continue at the 2024 World Championships, where he dominated the preliminaries with a world-leading time of 21.13 seconds. However, he ultimately fell just short of gold by a mere hundredth of a second in Doha.
Given his current form and consistency, we believe McEvoy is a strong contender for his first individual Olympic medal. For this reason, we view his odds of winning the 50m freestyle gold at 1.877, offered by Pinnacle, as attractive.
Best Volleyball Predictions This Week
China made a dream start to their women’s volleyball Olympic campaign in Paris by defeating the defending champions of Team USA. Their clash with France on Thursday evening could present some lucrative betting prospects. We will also dissect the Pool B match between Brazil and Japan from a betting perspective.
China vs. France – Under 41.5 Points to Be Scored in the First Set @ 2.280
France’s Olympics opener was a disappointing one as they suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Serbia. Overwhelmed by their formidable opponents, Les Bleus were outclassed in the first two sets, scoring a mere 17 points in each. While they offered more resistance in the third, France ultimately fell short with a 25-22 loss.
While the French men have ascended to the pinnacle of world volleyball, claiming the Olympic title in Tokyo, their female counterparts are still climbing the ladder, making their Olympic debut this year. Given their recent form of nine losses in their last ten matches, Héléna Cazaute and her team face an uphill battle against one of the world’s top teams, China.
China dealt USA’s title defence ambitions a severe blow on Monday afternoon by beating them in a thrilling five-set encounter. The Asian side established a commanding two-set lead before the Americans fought back to level the match. However, China held their nerve to clinch a dramatic 15-13 victory in the deciding set.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 31st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
An Olympic debutant facing a three-time Olympic champion suggests a one-sided contest. While a dominant Chinese victory is expected, we’ve identified a promising betting market with strong potential for returns.
Pinnacle is offering attractive odds of 2.280 on under 41.5 points in the first set. Given China’s expected dominance, we anticipate a swift and decisive opening set victory. As a result, we believe the combined points total will fall below the 41.5 mark.
Brazil vs. Japan – More Than Four Sets to Be Played @ 2.080
Brazil hope to maintain their perfect start to the Paris Olympics when they face Japan on Thursday afternoon. Currently topping Pool B with three points, the Canarinhas are favourites against a win-less Japan, but it might not be a walk in the park for them.
As the world’s second-ranked women’s volleyball team, Brazil arrive in Paris with a formidable Olympic pedigree. They claimed silver at Tokyo 2020 and have kickstarted their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Kenya.
Brazil’s head coach, José Roberto Guimarães, watched on with satisfaction as his team dismantled their African opponents. They dominated all three sets, conceding fewer than 15 points in each.
The victory put an end to Brazil’s two-match losing streak and extended their winning record to eight out of their last 10 matches across all competitions. Punters would feel interested to know that one of their last two defeats came against Japan, when the teams had met in the Nations League last month.
The two-time Olympic gold medallists endured a disappointing start to their Paris campaign, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Poland. Despite winning the opening set, Japan struggled in the following two, managing just 22 and 23 points, respectively. A closely contested fourth set was eventually claimed by Poland, 28-26.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 31st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Despite suffering three defeats in their last five matches, Japan remain a formidable force. We anticipate a closely contested match stretching out beyond four sets and find Pinnacle’s odds of 2.080 for this outcome particularly appealing.
Best American Football Predictions This Week
The eagerly anticipated return of the NFL is almost upon us as the preseason gets underway on Friday morning with the traditional Hall of Fame Game. With the new campaign looming, betting markets are already heating up with NFL futures and other offerings. Here is how you can make some easy money from the preseason game.
Under 31.5 Points to Be Scored @ 1.934
While the NFL Hall of Fame Game may not hold a candle to the Super Bowl, it undoubtedly ignites some pre-season betting spirit among sports lovers. Since the NFL is no longer a Stateside-only mania nowadays, you can expect to make some quick money from NFL betting as well.
The Bears and the Texans will lock horns to sound the horns of the new NFL season this time around.
The Houston Texans emerged as one of the NFL’s surprise packages in 2023, largely down to the impressive performances of rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback CJ Stroud. Defying expectations, the duo led the Texans to a 10-7 record, securing the AFC South title and a playoff berth.
Matt Eberflus faces a pivotal third season as Chicago Bears head coach, with pressure mounting. The arrival of 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams as a new Bears quarterback has raised expectations for a team that showed promise with a seven-win campaign last year.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 31st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
However, don’t expect to see the majority of starters from either team, as this is primarily a showcase for backups and fringe players.
With both teams likely to err on the side of caution, this game is expected to be a low-scoring affair. The total of 31.5 points might appear dangerously low, but we still anticipate an under. Bookmaker Pinnacle offers odds of 1.934 for the total score to stay below the 31.5 mark.
Best Boxing Prediction This Week
Outside the Olympic arena, this week’s sports schedule also has a number of top-tier boxing fights to offer. The super welterweight title fight between Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov will be the headline act of a stacked card at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday. Undoubtedly, there are some excellent bets to be placed in this fight.
Crawford vs. Madrimov – Fight to Last More Than 10.5 Rounds @ 2.000
Pound-for-pound kingpin Terence Crawford aims to add another chapter to his boxing dynasty this weekend. The undefeated champion is on the cusp of conquering a fourth weight class when he faces WBA super-welterweight title holder Israil Madrimov.
Madrimov, a former European amateur champion, enters the ring with an excellent 10-0-1 professional record and a world title strapped to his waist. A victory over the legendary Crawford would not only cement his legacy but also unlock a world of lucrative fighting opportunities.
These two punchers have a reputation for explosive finishes. For this reason, many would expect to see an early knockdown bringing the fight to a premature end. However, given Crawford’s weight jump, we might witness a more calculated approach from him in the early rounds.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 31st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Facing the biggest challenge of his career so far, Madrimov is well aware that victory against a fighter like Crawford could catapult him into boxing stardom. This newfound pressure might prompt him to temper his usual aggressive style.
With both fighters wary of exposing early weaknesses and a knockout blow looming large, expect a cautious opening. Given the high stakes, we anticipate a prolonged contest. Backing the fight to go over 10.5 rounds on bookmaker Pinnacle at the offered odds seems a shrewd move.
Best MMA Prediction This Week
Boxing is not the only offering on the menu to appease your craving for combat sports this week. The UFC heads to Abu Dhabi to deliver a summer spectacle headlined by Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov. Fans and punters alike will be eager to place their wagers on this thrilling battle.
Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov – Under 4.5 Rounds @ 2.150
Nurmagomedov carries his perfect record into the cage as the heavy favorite, while the higher-ranked Sandhagen assumes the underdog role. Both men are riding waves of victory, but it’s the undefeated Dagestani who is expected to emerge victorious and solidify his place in the bantamweight title picture.
While Nurmagomedov’s heavy odds of 1.323 at Pinnacle offer little in terms of value, Sandhagen’s tempting 3.500 odds are difficult to resist. However, we’re not fully convinced of a Sandhagen win in this one. So, we have explored alternative betting markets.
Sandhagen needs to transform this fight into a ballet of striking to stand a chance. Nurmagomedov, though slick and elusive, is susceptible to firepower. Opportunities will undoubtedly arise for Sandhagen to unleash his arsenal.
However, the former lightweight and welterweight champion will undoubtedly resort to his grappling expertise at the first sign of trouble.
Sandhagen will have undoubtedly honed his takedown defence, but neutralising Nurmagomedov’s grappling for an entire fight is a tall order. A fast and furious start is a must for Sandhagen to inflict maximum damage before the inevitable takedown attempt. Once on the mat, the round is likely to tilt decisively in Nurmagomedov’s favour.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 31st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Both Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov boast serious punching prowess, suggesting an explosive encounter. With a knockout or submission likely to dictate the outcome, this fight has the makings of a short and spectacular affair. Given the high probability of an early finish, exploiting Pinnacle’s odds of 2.150 for under 4.5 rounds could be a smart move.
Best Rugby League Prediction This Week
The 2024 NRL season is reaching its crescendo as teams battle to meet their respective goals. With premierships, Finals berths, and avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon on the line, the competition is fiercer than ever. Given the high stakes involved, the Dolphins-Roosters clash is set to be a betting bonanza.
Dolphins vs. Roosters – Over 49.5 Points To Be Scored @ 1.877
The Dolphins will be kicking themselves after squandering a 14-point lead to lose to the Titans on Sunday, leaving their top-eight hopes hanging by a thread.
Precariously perched in eighth position, Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins face a grueling month against the Roosters, Warriors, Bulldogs, and Storm. They must swiftly regroup and refocus if they’re to clinch a coveted finals berth.
The first challenge they face in their decisive run is a spirited Roosters side, who seem quite set for a top four finish.
In their last match, the Roosters gifted Manly a lifeline with two careless Keary intercepts, allowing Daly Cherry-Evans and company to claw back from a seemingly insurmountable 34-18 deficit to within touching distance with four minutes remaining at Allianz Stadium.
Despite Manly’s valiant comeback, the Roosters prevailed, notching up their twelfth win and overtaking the Sharks for third spot.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 31st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The battle up front will likely determine this contest, with the Roosters boasting a superior pack. Expect a high-scoring affair as both sides look to impose their physicality. We’ve opted for bookmaker Pinnacle’s tempting 1.877 odds on this potentially points-laden encounter.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
With the Olympics in full swing and a plethora of other sporting action, we’ve pinpointed the most promising betting opportunities for the week ahead. They are as follows:
- Gabrielle Thomas to win Women’s 200m @ 2.100
- Jakob Ingebrigtsen to win Men’s 1500m gold medal – No @ 2.150
- Caeleb Dressel to win Men’s 100m Butterfly @ 2.000
- Cameron McEvoy to win Men’s 50m Freestyle gold medal – Yes @ 1.877
- Under 41.5 points to be scored in the first set of China vs. France Women’s Volleyball @ 2.280
- More than four sets to be played in Brazil vs. Japan Women’s Volleyball @ 2.080
- Under 31.5 points to be scored in NFL Hall of Fame Game 2024 @ 1.934
- Crawford vs. Madrimov to last more than 10.5 rounds @ 2.000
- Sandhagen vs. Nurmagodev to be under 4.5 rounds @ 2.150
- Over 49.5 points to be scored in Dolphins vs. Roosters @ 1.877
Our betting strategy has been relatively conservative this week, avoiding overly ambitious picks. Among these selections, the Olympic volleyball ones offer the best prospect of high returns with minimal risk.
