Exciting Olympics Betting: Wager on Golf for 2024 Paris Games

Betting on Olympic Golf at the 2024 Paris Games

The 2024 Olympic Games are already underway in Paris, and the world’s top golfers have arrived in France. The men’s golf competition is set to begin Thursday, Aug. 1 at Le Golf National. The field features 60 players who earned the opportunity through a selection process based on Official World Golf Rankings. There is a maximum of four players from any one country, so the United States will be represented by Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Wyndham Clark.

A Brief History of Golf at the Olympics

Golf at the Olympics dates back to 1900, but this will be just the fifth edition of the competition. After two playings, in 1900 and 1904, it was discontinued until 2016 when it was revitalized at the Rio Games, where Justin Rose won gold. Xander Schauffele then captured the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The format is a 72-hole (no cut) stroke-play competition, with a unique twist worth mentioning. Since three Olympic medals are on the line, potential ties for second (silver) and/or third place (bronze) also need to be decided by a playoff. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, C.T. Pan won the bronze medal after emerging victorious from a thrilling seven-man playoff.

How to Bet on Golf at the 2024 Olympics

Yes, you can bet on Olympic golf if you are old enough and in a state that offers regulated sports betting on the Olympics. However, of the 38 states that have legalized sports betting, only 33 of them allow betting on the Olympics. Those include: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The five locations that usually have sports betting offerings, but do not allow wagering on the Olympics are: Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C.

Where You Can Bet on Olympic Golf in the U.S.

Along with location restrictions, there are also age minimums. Almost all of the 33 states listed above have an age requirement of 21, but Kentucky and Wyoming have a minimum age of 18 years old.

Who Is Favored to Win the Gold Medal?

The current odds (subject to change) at BetMGM Sportsbook for the gold medal in the men’s golf competition feature six players in the top tier:

• Scottie Scheffler (USA): +400
• Xander Schauffele (USA): +550
• Rory McIlroy (IRE): +850
• Collin Morikawa (USA): +1100
• Jon Rahm (ESP): +1100
• Ludvig Åberg (SWE): +1200

Responsible Gambling

While betting on golf at the Olympics can add an extra layer of excitement, it’s important to gamble responsibly. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Set a Budget: Determine how much money you can afford to lose and stick to that amount.
2. Know the Odds: Understand the odds and how they work to make informed betting decisions.
3. Don’t Chase Losses: If you lose money, don’t try to win it back by making bigger bets.
4. Take Breaks: Gambling should be fun, so take breaks to ensure it stays enjoyable.
5. Seek Help if Needed: If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, seek help from professional organizations.

Final Thoughts on Betting on Olympic Golf

Betting on golf at the Olympics adds an extra layer of excitement to the games. With top contenders from around the world competing for gold, the competition at Le Golf National promises to be fierce. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or new to sports betting, make sure to check the odds and place your bets in states where it is legal. Enjoy the thrill of the game and may the best golfer win! Remember to bet responsibly and have fun.