2024 was an unforgettable year for sports betting, marked by dramatic upsets, improbable wins, and even scandals. These moments kept the industry on edge. Here are the top 10 sports betting highlights of the year:
10. The Blessed’s Buzzer-Beater Knockout
Max “Blessed” Hollway delivered the most electrifying knockout of 2024 as a +190 underdog at UFC 300. In the fifth round, Hollway stunned BMF Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje with a last-second blow. Gaethje’s loss was a gut-punch for bettors who backed him, while Hollway’s supporters celebrated a thrilling finish that left T-Mobile Arena in chaos.
9. Putter Ejects Rory McIlroy from U.S. Open Driver’s Seat
Rory McIlroy was the betting favorite at +260 after an opening bogey-free 65 and had a two-stroke lead with five holes to play on Sunday. But three bogeys over the final four holes, including a two-foot miss on 16 and another from just under four feet on 18, handed the title to Bryson DeChambeau. Bettors backing McIlroy were left heartbroken, as he missed yet another chance to end his 10-year major drought.
8. Michigan Plants Its Flag at the Horseshoe
The Michigan Wolverines, as 20.5-point underdogs, stunned the Ohio State Buckeyes with a historic upset. The Wolverines’ victory not only cost the Buckeyes a shot at the Big Ten title but also incited a post-game brawl when Michigan planted its flag at midfield. Ohio State’s odds tо win the National Championship shifted from +300 tо +500 after the loss, as head coach Ryan Day extended his losing streak tо Michigan tо four consecutive games.
7. Jack Gohlke and Oakland Upset Kentucky
The 14th-seed Oakland Golden Grizzlies shocked third-seed Kentucky 80-76 in the first round of March Madness. Jack Gohlke was unstoppable, scoring 32 points and hitting 10 three-pointers—just one shy of the tournament record. Kentucky had been chosen to advance in 95% of ESPN brackets, with 28.84% picking them for the Final Four. The upset left countless fans with busted brackets.
6. Zay Flowers’ Goal-Line Fumble Fuels Chiefs’ Streak
Zay Flowers’ fumble at the goal line during the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs began an improbable string оf events. The Chiefs, now 11-0 іn one-score games, have clinched the No. 1 AFC seed and are favorites tо win Super Bowl LIX. The streak includes lucky breaks like tiptoes out оf bounds, missed calls, blocked kicks, and a late snap mishap.
5. Jayden Daniels Hail Mary Kick-Starts Bears’ Skid
The Chicago Bears, leading the Washington Commanders 15-12 with 25 seconds left in Week 8, seemed destined for a 5-2 start. But Jayden Daniels’ last-second Hail Mary found Noah Brown in the end zone for a stunning Commanders victory. The Bears haven’t won since, entering Week 18 on a 0-10 skid.
4. Caitlin Clark Changes WNBA Betting
Caitlin Clark’s NCAA heroics sparked a massive surge in WNBA betting. After being drafted by the Indiana Fever, the team’s betting handle increased 380% compared to the prior year. Clark became a sensation, winning Rookie of the Year and driving a surge in player prop bets that rivaled NBA levels.
3. Paul vs. Tyson Sets Betting Records
The Jake Paul-Mike Tyson bout shattered betting records but fell flat in terms of excitement. Paul won via unanimous decision, leaving bettors who backed Tyson by KO or TKO disappointed. Despite the lackluster fight, it became one of the most wagered-on events of the year.
2. Shohei Ohtani and Jontay Porter Scandals
Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter took responsibility for $4.5 million in gambling debts, avoiding penalties for the star pitcher. Meanwhile, Jontay Porter received a lifetime NBA ban for a betting scheme involving planned game exits. Porter’s actions also led to conspiracy and wire fraud charges, highlighting the risks of insider betting.
1. The 2024 U.S. Election
Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 Presidential Election not only confirmed sportsbook predictions but also generated record-breaking betting action. The Betfair Exchange has now correctly predicted 23 of the last 25 major elections, solidifying its reputation in election betting markets.
From record-breaking moments to scandals and heartbreak, 2024 was a year that redefined the sports betting world.
