Learn How to Bet on the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m)

Understanding the Basics of Swimming Betting

Before looking at advanced strategies, it’s important to understand the basics of swimming betting. Unlike team sports, swimming is an individual sport, where bets are typically placed on individual athletes or teams in relay events. The most common types of bets in swimming include:

1. Outright Winner (To Win): This is the most straightforward bet where you predict which swimmer or relay team will win a particular race. It’s a popular choice for those new to betting on swimming, as it’s easy to understand and follow.
2. Podium Finish (Top 3): This bet involves predicting whether a swimmer will finish in the top three positions. It offers slightly lower odds than betting on an outright winner but increases your chances of winning, especially in highly competitive fields.
3. Head-to-Head Bets: In this type of bet, you choose between two swimmers and bet on which one will finish higher in a race. This bet is particularly useful when the field is wide open or when two rivals are closely matched.
4. Over/Under Times: This advanced bet involves predicting whether a swimmer’s finishing time will be over or under a specified time. It’s a great option for those who follow the sport closely and have a good understanding of the athletes’ performance trends.

Popular Swimming Bets to Consider

In addition to the above, there are a number of betting markets that are very popular with swimming fans.

1. Event Winner: Given the straightforward nature of this bet, it’s one of the most popular. Bettors typically focus on high-profile events such as the men’s 100m freestyle or the women’s 200m butterfly, where top athletes are often favourites but can be upset by emerging stars.
2. Medal Bets: These are bets placed on swimmers or teams to finish in the top three. Medal bets are popular for events with tight competition, where predicting the outright winner might be challenging, but selecting a top-three finisher is more manageable.
3. National Team Bets: This involves betting on which country will win the most medals or finish at the top of the medal table. For example, powerhouse swimming nations such as the USA, Australia, and China are often favourites in these bets.
4. World Record Bets: Predicting whether a world record will be broken in a particular event. These bets are popular when a swimmer known for record-breaking performances is in peak condition.

Advanced Swimming Betting Strategies

For those looking to take their betting to the next level, here are some advanced strategies that can improve your chances of success:

1. Form Analysis: This involves studying the recent performance of swimmers, particularly in short-course events. Look at how they’ve performed in the lead-up to the Championships, including national and international competitions. A swimmer in good form is more likely to perform well in Budapest.
2. Event Specialisation: Focus on betting on swimmers who specialise in specific strokes or distances. For instance, a swimmer like Caeleb Dressel, known for his prowess in short sprints, is a strong bet in events such as the 50m and 100m freestyle. Understanding an athlete’s strengths can give you an edge.
3. Weather and Environmental Factors: While indoor swimming events like the World Aquatics Championships are less affected by weather, factors such as pool temperature, altitude (if applicable), and even the quality of the venue can influence performance. The Duna Arena in Budapest is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, which could benefit swimmers who have previously competed there.
4. Tracking Emerging Talents: Young swimmers often burst onto the scene at major events, sometimes offering excellent value in betting markets. Keep an eye on junior championships and qualifying events to identify up-and-coming athletes who might surprise at the Championships.
5. Betting on Relays: Relay events can be more unpredictable than individual races, as they depend on the performance of multiple swimmers. When betting on relays, consider the overall strength and depth of the teams, including their past performances and team chemistry.
6. Live Betting Adjustments: Use live betting to your advantage by monitoring the heats and semi-finals. Swimmers who have an easy qualification might save their energy for the finals, giving them an edge. Conversely, a swimmer who has to push hard just to qualify might struggle in the final.

Factors to Consider When Researching Bets

When betting on the World Aquatics Swimming Championships, several key factors can influence the outcomes of races. Being aware of these can help you make more informed bets:

1. Injury Reports: Swimmers often compete through minor injuries, but these can significantly impact their performance. Stay updated on any injury news leading up to the event.
2. Motivation Levels: Not all swimmers approach every competition with the same level of intensity. Athletes targeting other major events might treat the World Championships as a warm-up, which could affect their performance.
3. Competition Format: The Championships feature heats, semi-finals, and finals, with different dynamics in each round. Some swimmers excel in pressure situations, while others might peak too early in the heats. Understanding how athletes handle these stages can be crucial for live betting.
4. Swimwear Technology: Advances in swimwear technology can play a role in performance, though regulations have tightened in recent years. Swimmers with access to the latest gear, within the rules, might have a slight advantage.
5. Experience vs. Youth: Betting on experienced swimmers with a proven track record is often a safe bet. However, young swimmers hungry for their first major international title can also deliver surprising results, offering value in the odds.

Dive into Betting with Galera Bet

While there is no such thing as a guaranteed bet, armed with the above information and some careful research, there is no reason why you can’t have an enjoyable experience betting on then championships. Keep an eye out for the latest odds at Galera Bet and with a bit of luck, you’ll have plenty to celebrate.