Random Things You Can Legally Bet On (Because Why Not?)
So you think betting is limited to politics, sports, and the lottery? Think again! The world of betting has expanded faster than you can say “please gamble responsibly.” These days, you can put your hard-earned cash on just about anything—well, almost anything. But before you dive into the murky waters of online gambling, it’s wise to check your state and local regulations—because nothing says ‘fun’ like a hefty fine for illegal betting.
If you’re fresh to the casino scene or just hunting for the most bizarre things to wager on (legally, of course), you’ve stumbled upon the right treasure map. Be prepared to be both shocked and amused by the wild variety of betting opportunities that range from aliens abducting your neighbor to when the next royal will emerge from hiding for a tea party.
So grab your chips, put on your best poker face, and read on for a list of the strangest bets you can legally make. Remember: in the world of random gambling, the only thing more unpredictable than the outcomes is your bank account balance.
And if you want to stay in the loop on fun facts, humor, and far more mundane topics than betting on celebrity deaths, subscribe to Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter. Because who doesn’t want a bit of trivia to accompany their gambling losses?
Celebrity Deaths: Not Just for the Grim Reaper
Ever considered betting on when your favorite celebrities will join the big red carpet in the sky? Well, you can! Enter the world of celebrity death pools, where you get the delightful opportunity to choose ten famous folks you believe will kick the bucket within a calendar year. For just $15, you can join the ranks of those who think they might just have a knack for making morbid predictions. One leading site in this fine art, Stiffs.com, even offers a trophy for the boldest prognosticator. Because nothing screams “good taste” quite like having your name engraved on The M.T. Graves Memorial Trophy.

Wife Carrying: Because Who Needs a Gym?
Betting on wife carrying, you ask? Oh yes, it’s a legitimate sport in Ireland! Imagine a man sprinting with his “wife” (who may just be a friend who lost a bet) down a 253-meter obstacle course filled with challenges that are likely to leave more than just bruised egos. The winner? The couple who can make it to the finish line first, possibly still in one piece. If you’re looking for adventure, this event has been voted the Best Adventure Race in Britain by Runner’s World, proving that sometimes, your marriage may not be the most perilous gamble you’ve made.
So, there you have it: a whirlwind tour of some of the most eccentric things you can bet on legally. Whether you’re choosing which celebrity to mourn next or placing a wager on who can sprint with their partner most effectively while risking a trip to the ER, the possibilities are delightfully endless. Just remember to check those local laws and, above all, to keep your sense of humor intact—after all, a healthy dose of irony might just be the best bet you can make.