Horse tracks around the world have been shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a small handful have been given the green light to continue operating races behind closed doors.
These few lucky racetracks have seen an incredible uptick in Bitcoin betting handles thanks to the likes of popular Bitcoin sportsbooks such as Sportsbet.io and 22Bet.
Thanks to the huge increase in betting handles, a number of race tracks have sought out additional race days to keep the good times rolling – much to the excitement of the Bitcoin horse betting community.
Churchill Downs starting gate
More Action for Bitcoin Bookies
Late last week, officials in Nebraska approved 12 additional race days at Fonner park, and the Tampa Bay Downs is looking to follow suit. If both tracks can secure 12 additional meets, there will be plenty more Bitcoin horse race action for Bitcoin sportsbooks to list.
However, it’s not all good news in the Bitcoin horse racing world, as the infamous Kentucky Derby has been postponed by at least another four months.
Live horse racing action at Sportsbet.io from around the US
Instead of the legendary Run for the Roses taking place on Saturday, a virtual race will take place. Developers are working on using data from previous race meets to create an algorithm that will pick the winner.
Lucky Bitcoin punters that pick the winning horse will be put into a draw for a VIP experience at the Run for the Roses at the Kentucky Derby when it takes place – hopefully in four months’ time.
Virtual Sports Becoming Increasingly Popular
With venues like the Churchill Downs and Santa Anita tracks still closed due to the global pandemic, more and more Bitcoin gamblers are looking to get their fill from virtual sports.
One of the most popular virtual sports that has emerged is virtual horse racing. Bitcoin punters can place all the usual bets on virtual races that are run using simulators from various gaming providers.
All leading Bitcoin sportsbook operators are offering these virtual sports for Bitcoin gamblers to place wagers on, keeping the Bitcoin betting action alive during these difficult times.
eSports Leading the Way
Away from the race track, eSports appears to be carving a nice foothold in the Bitcoin gambling market.
Last week the Nevada GCB approved four more eSports events that will now be allowed to be listed on Bitcoin sportsbooks.
These events range from the 2020 Call of Duty League to the League of Legends European Championship.
eSports is keeping the Bitcoin betting action alive
If current events continue to keep sporting events locked down, then we’re only going to see the popularity for these alternative Bitcoin gambling markets growing.
eSports might only be a greenhorn in the Bitcoin gambling world, but so too is the idea of Bitcoin gambling, making them the perfect match during these difficult times.
Will More Sports Start Returning Soon?
Sporting fans from around the world are pensive about the return dates of their favorite sporting events, but it appears as if health authorities are looking at ways to help the action return to our screens as soon as possible.
Many leagues around the world have been outright cancelled, but those that were in progress are looking for ways to close off their seasons.
There is talk about the English Premier League being finished behind closed doors through the summer months, finally bringing an end to the 2019/20 season of the top soccer league in the world.
If games, races and matches can be played safely behind closed doors without impacting the health of athletes, then it would be a warm welcome for Bitcoin sportsbooks and sports fans alike.
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