Betting has come a long way in the UK. From football and horse racing, to TV shows and elections, many bookmakers now cover a wide range of events. But can you really bet on anything?
This blog explores what UK bookmakers legally allow, what’s off limits, and how some of the most unusual bets tend to work. It also explains why some bets, even if they sound fun, can’t be offered by licensed operators.
If you’ve ever wondered how far betting markets can go — or why certain bets might make the news — this guide can help make sense of it.
Can You Bet on Anything At The Bookies?
No, you can’t bet on absolutely anything. Licensed UK bookmakers are only allowed to offer bets on outcomes that are legal, verifiable, and ethical. Every market must be based on an event that can be proven to have taken place, such as a football score, election result, or TV show winner.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulates all licensed bookmakers. This ensures they follow strict standards for fairness and transparency. Because of these rules, certain subjects are completely off limits — for example, bets involving crime, death, or natural disasters.
Most bookmakers focus on areas where results can be publicly confirmed. Some common examples include:
- Sports: Football, horse racing, tennis, golf, cricket, and more.
- Entertainment: Award shows or televised competitions.
- Politics: UK and international elections.
Bookmakers decide which markets to offer based on demand and reliability. Some may include extra options like player statistics or in-play betting, while others might keep it simple.
Because each bookmaker sets their own odds, prices can differ slightly across sites. Checking the market rules before betting can help you understand how winnings, if any, would be calculated.
Is There a Website Where You Can Bet On Anything?
Despite what some websites claim, there’s no legal UK site where you can “bet on anything.” Licensed operators can only accept bets that meet Gambling Commission rules. That means the outcome must be something that can be independently verified, such as through an official result or public announcement.
However, online bookmakers do cover a wide range of novelty or special markets. These can include bets on reality TV shows, politics, or entertainment events. Examples might include trying to predict the next James Bond actor, the winner of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, or which party will win the next general election.
Some online platforms may also feature prediction markets, which let people bet on real-world events like stock prices or election outcomes. These are usually offered by exchanges rather than standard bookmakers and may follow different rules.
Any legal betting website in the UK must hold a Gambling Commission licence. This means player funds are protected, games are fair, and the operator must follow responsible gambling standards. If a site does not display a valid licence number, it should be avoided.
Can You Bet On Something Not To Happen?
Yes — this is called lay betting. Instead of betting on an outcome to happen, you bet on it not to happen. For example, in a football match, instead of backing a team to win, you could lay a bet that they won’t win. If they lose or draw, your bet succeeds.
Lay betting takes place on betting exchanges, where players bet against each other instead of against a bookmaker. In this setup, you’re effectively taking the bookmaker’s role by offering odds on an outcome not happening.
Here’s a simple example:
- You lay a horse called Midnight Star to win at 5/1.
- If Midnight Star loses, you win the stake from the backer.
- If it wins, you pay out based on those odds.
Because you can lose more than your original stake, lay betting requires a clear understanding of liability — the amount you could owe if the outcome goes against your prediction. It’s popular among many experienced bettors who understand odds and market movement, but it’s not offered by every site.
What Are Some of The Weirdest Things You Can Bet On?
Bookmakers occasionally offer novelty bets that can sometimes make headlines. These bets often involve events outside sport, but only if they can be confirmed by trusted sources.
Some genuine examples from UK bookmakers include:
- Weather: Will it snow on Christmas Day at Heathrow Airport?
- Royal Family: What will the next royal baby be named?
- Politics: Who will be the next Prime Minister?
- Entertainment: Which film will win Best Picture at the Oscars?
These markets are usually created with entertainment in mind. The odds often rely on public interest or media speculation rather than detailed statistics, which makes the outcomes highly unpredictable.
Bookmakers sometimes remove novelty bets if they become too sensitive or unverifiable. For instance, no major UK bookmaker would accept bets on personal events, criminal cases, or tragedies. Licensed operators must follow strict rules to ensure all markets are ethical and factual.
Betting can be enjoyable if approached responsibly. Remember that it involves chance, and there’s no strategy that guarantees a win. Setting spending limits, taking breaks, and only betting what you can afford to lose can help you stay in control. All licensed UK bookmakers provide tools to help manage your activity, including deposit limits and self-exclusion options if needed.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.