Is Apocalypse Betting Just A Complete Waste Of Money?

If you were to ask most people about novelty bets, they’d likely mention wagers on the Oscars or royal baby names. But there’s a world of more eccentric bets out there, including, surprisingly, the end of the world. While the practicality of collecting winnings in such a scenario is questionable, the very existence of these bets highlights the human fascination with the extraordinary. Beyond doomsday predictions, you can also find bets on TV show outcomes. The popularity of shows like “Game of Thrones” led to a surge in wagers on the fate of characters and the series’ overall conclusion.

Even more niche bets, like predicting the first death in a show, have found their place in the betting world. Bookmakers, ever-opportunistic, are quick to capitalise on such trends, offering odds on anything from the mundane to the utterly bizarre. This abundance of unusual betting options provides a unique opportunity for curious bettors to explore the limits of their imagination. This brings us to the weird world of apocalypse betting. 

Betting on the Apocalypse: A Risky Gamble

When it comes to betting on the end of the world, there are two primary avenues to explore: the when and the how.

Timing the Apocalypse

One popular bet is to predict the exact date or year of the apocalypse. This involves speculating on whether a catastrophic event will occur within a specific timeframe. Some bettors might wager on a specific year, while others might choose a decade or even a century.

Apocalypse Betting – Methods of Destruction

Another betting option is to wager on the how of the apocalypse. This involves guessing the nature of the cataclysmic event that will bring about the end of the world. Common choices include natural disasters like asteroids, volcanic eruptions, or climate change, as well as catastrophes of our own making like nuclear war or a global pandemic. It’s important to note that while these bets may seem intriguing, they are ultimately based on speculation and cannot be guaranteed. The possibility of collecting apocalypse betting winnings on such a bet is highly uncertain, as the actual end of the world would likely render any financial gain irrelevant.

An Example Of A Doomsday Bet

The UK’s Daily Express has a reputation for sensationalising doomsday apocalypse betting predictions, with September 2015 being a prime example. The Blood Moon that occurred on the 28th of that month sparked speculation about the imminent return of Christ and the end of the world. Ever the opportunist, some sportsbooks offered odds on the exact date or month of the apocalypse.

Despite their derogatory remarks about those who believed in the doomsday prophecy, the bookmaker was willing to accept bets at odds of 200/1 for the Blood Moon date and 250/1 for any time in October 2015. As we’re still here, it’s clear that those who placed these bets were left disappointed.

Betting on the Apocalypse: A Risky Gamble

If you thought predicting the when of the apocalypse was speculative, consider the how some websites have compiled infographics detailing various scenarios for the end of the world, complete with apocalypse betting odds to give you a sense of their likelihood. To provide context, they’ve included comparable events to illustrate the potential severity of each scenario. Here’s a glimpse into the potential methods of our demise, according to top online sportsbook sites in the US odds:

• Asteroid Impact – Compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs, this event is considered significantly less likely.
• Supervolcanic Eruption – While less frequent than asteroid impacts, supervolcanic eruptions could have devastating global consequences.
• Global Pandemic – The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a recent example of how a highly contagious disease can cause widespread disruption and loss of life.
• Nuclear War – The threat of nuclear conflict remains a constant concern, with the potential for catastrophic consequences.
• Climate Change – The ongoing effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels, pose a serious threat to humanity.

It’s important to remember that these apocalypse betting odds are based on speculation and cannot be guaranteed. The actual end of the world may occur through completely different means.

Example Of End Of The World Odds

• Zombie Plague                           1000/1
• Aliens                                                500/1
• Plants Becoming Sentient      600/1
• Vampires                                        35m/1
• Ape Uprising                              4,600/1

It’s astonishing that bookmakers considered Leicester City’s odds of winning the English Premier League in 2015-2016 to be less likely than the scenario from Day of the Triffids, where plants and trees become sentient and attack humanity. However, that’s the reality of the strange apocalypse betting world. Other apocalyptic betting scenarios offered by bookmakers include giant monsters, a global pandemic, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the Large Hadron Collider creating a black hole. While these possibilities may seem far-fetched, they’re all considered more likely than the sun consuming the Earth. The odds on the sun’s eventual consumption of Earth are incredibly short, often quoted as 1/1. This is because scientists are confident that it will happen at some point, although the exact timing is uncertain. So, while it’s a guaranteed event, it’s far too distant to be considered a practical betting option.

The Absurdity of Wagering on the Apocalypse

It’s a bet that defies logic and reason: wagering on the end of the world. PaddyPower, a popular bookmaker, offered customers the opportunity to bet on whether the world would end by the year 2018. Of course, it was a preposterous proposition, akin to betting on a unicorn sighting or the existence of aliens. Any individual who placed such a bet was essentially giving PaddyPower their money under the guise of a gamble. If the world did indeed end in 2018, the bettor would be unable to claim their apocalypse betting winnings, as they would presumably be deceased. Even if they miraculously survived, the chaos and destruction would likely render PaddyPower’s operations defunct. In a post-apocalyptic world, the priorities would be survival, not gambling. The absurdity of the situation is underscored by the fact that many end-of-the-world scenarios involve the collapse of societal infrastructure, including financial systems.

The 2011 Christian cult led by Harold Camping that squandered $100 million on preparations for the apocalypse serves as a cautionary tale. Their misplaced belief in an imminent doomsday led to financial ruin when their predictions proved false. It’s a stark reminder that even the most fervent belief in an impending catastrophe should not overshadow sound judgement and financial prudence. Placing a significant wager on the end of the world is not only a foolish gamble but also a potential waste of valuable resources that could be better used to prepare for real-world challenges.

Apocalypse Betting – Countdown to the End

A recent study conducted by the betting site Bet365 Sportsbook has revealed the top 10 potential doomsday scenarios, complete with their respective apocalypse betting probabilities. Among the most likely causes of the world’s end, as predicted by the research, are the sun consuming the Earth, Judgment Day, and a global pandemic. The sportsbook’s team delved into various apocalyptic possibilities, compiling their findings into an informative infographic. While the site acknowledges that there’s no foolproof way to survive, particularly in the event of the sun’s destruction, they emphasise the importance of preparation for other, more unusual disasters.

According to the research, the most probable scenario is the sun’s eventual demise. With apocalypse betting odds of one in one, scientists predict that five billion years from now, the sun will expand into a red giant star, engulfing the Earth in its fiery embrace. As a spokesperson for the sportsbook explains, “The sun expands, becomes what is called a Red Giant, and its radius will be large enough to envelop the Earth.” While this event is a long way off, its inevitability makes it a guaranteed outcome. Another doomsday scenario with a one in one probability is Judgment Day, as depicted in the Bible. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, according to scripture, will ride across the Earth, ushering in a final reckoning. The righteous will ascend to heaven, while the wicked will face eternal damnation in hell. While this belief may not be universally accepted, it remains a significant prediction in many religious traditions.

Beyond Apocalypse Betting: – Bizarre Betting Markets

While apocalypse betting might seem like the pinnacle of unusual bets, according to online gambling news in the US, it’s far from the only peculiar market available. The activities of the royal family, for example, have long been a popular subject for gambling.

Contenders for the Papacy

Betting on the next Pope after Francis isn’t inherently strange, considering there will undoubtedly be a new leader of the Catholic Church. However, the peculiar aspect of this wager lies in the unconventional candidates included in the betting markets. While the usual suspects like Pius, or Paul are readily available, there are some truly unusual names on the list, each with its own intriguing odds. Here’s a glimpse into some of these unconventional contenders:

• David Beckham – The former England captain and global football icon has been surprisingly popular in the betting markets for the papacy. Despite having no religious affiliation, David Beckham‘s charisma and widespread appeal have garnered him a following among some who see him as a potential spiritual leader.
• Elon Musk – The tech mogul and entrepreneur has also appeared on the list of papal contenders. Known for his innovative ideas and ambitious projects, Musk has captured the imagination of many, leading some to speculate that he could be a surprising choice for the papacy.
• Popeye the Sailor Man – This iconic cartoon character has made a surprising appearance on the betting list. While it’s highly unlikely that Popeye would ever be considered for the role, his inclusion adds a touch of humour to the otherwise serious matter of papal succession.
• Donald Trump – The former U.S. President has been a controversial figure both domestically and internationally. Despite his lack of religious affiliation, some have suggested that his populist appeal and unconventional approach to leadership could make Donald Trump a potential candidate for the papacy.

While these unconventional contenders may seem like longshots or pure fantasy, their inclusion in the betting markets highlights the unpredictable nature of papal elections. It also highlights just how gullible some people are. As history has shown, unexpected choices can sometimes emerge, making the papal gamble an intriguing and unpredictable proposition. Other runners in the race include:

• Bono                                500/1
• Father Dougal            500/1
• Paddy Power               500/1
• Richard Dawkins       375/1

Betting on the Queen’s Ascot Hat

While betting on the Royal Family is a common practice, one particularly popular wager involves predicting the colour of the Queen’s hat at Royal Ascot. While attendees are typically more focused on the horse races, the Queen’s hat has become a significant betting market for bookmakers. Despite the seemingly mundane nature of the wager, bookmakers have occasionally had to close betting on the hat colour due to an influx of large bets from the Windsor area. While most bets are typically in the $5-$10 range, the appearance of substantial wagers in the thousands has raised suspicions of insider information. While it may not be as outlandish as betting on giant monsters destroying the Earth, wagering on the Queen’s hat colour at the Royal Ascot Gold Cup offers a unique and intriguing betting opportunity for those interested in royal affairs.

As we’ve seen, apart from apocalypse betting, there are some pretty bonkers betting markets available to players. However, many of these bets pale in comparison to some of the truly bizarre options offered by bookmakers. Let’s delve into a few of these peculiar markets:

• Celebrity Feuds – From Taylor Swift vs. Kanye West to Brad Pitt vs. Angelina Jolie, betting on celebrity feuds has become a popular pastime. Bookmakers often offer odds on various aspects of these conflicts, such as who will win the public’s sympathy or whether a reconciliation will occur.
• Political Speculation – Politics can be a volatile and unpredictable arena, making it a fertile ground for betting. From predicting election outcomes to wagering on government policies, bookmakers offer a wide range of options for those interested in gambling on political events.
• Financial Markets – Top bookie, Bet365 Sportsbook allows you to wager on the price movements of major markets like the FTSE and Dow Jones based on 3 Forex pairs that include the Euro, US Dollar, and British Pound.
• Weather Wagers – Betting on the weather is a classic form of gambling that has been around for centuries. Whether it’s predicting the amount of snowfall in a particular winter or the temperature on a specific day, bookmakers offer odds on a variety of weather-related betting events.
• Reality TV Outcomes – Reality TV shows have become a cultural phenomenon, and bookmakers have capitalised on this popularity by offering bets on various aspects of these programs. From predicting the winner of a talent competition to wagering on the outcome of a reality TV romance, fans can place bets on their favourite shows.
• Sports Trivia – For those of you who enjoy sports trivia, bookmakers offer a variety of options for betting on sports-related questions. From predicting the outcome of obscure sporting events to wagering on the number of points scored by a particular player, sports trivia bets can provide a fun and engaging way to test your knowledge.

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