Introduction: Beyond the Big Four

If you're a sports fan, you're probably familiar with betting on leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. But what about the sports that don’t dominate the airwaves or trend on social media? Could you place a bet on pickleball, drone racing, or even cornhole?

As legal sports betting expands across the U.S., sportsbooks are increasingly exploring niche markets to stand out from the competition. These non-traditional sports may not generate the same volume of wagers as mainstream leagues, but they present unique opportunities for bettors looking for novelty, value, or simply something different.

So, can you bet on non-traditional sports like pickleball? Yes, but access depends on where you live, what sportsbook you use, and how adventurous you're willing to be.

What Are Non-Traditional Sports in Betting?

In the betting world, non-traditional sports refer to competitions that sit outside the usual lineup of major U.S. professional leagues. They often have smaller fan bases, fewer televised events, and much lighter betting volume.

Popular examples gaining traction include pickleball (a fast-paced paddle sport that blends tennis, badminton, and ping pong), cornhole (a backyard staple now played professionally), drone racing (featuring mini-aircraft speeding through neon-lit obstacle courses), disc golf (golf with discs thrown into metal baskets), and eSports (competitive video gaming, now a global industry).

Athletes like Callie Jo Smith in pickleball and Paige Pierce in disc golf are elevating these sports, proving that “niche” doesn’t mean insignificant.

These sports tend to attract recreational bettors who may not follow the traditional sports calendar but are intrigued by fresh formats and unpredictable outcomes.

Is Betting on These Sports Legal?

The short answer: sometimes. It depends on your state, the sportsbook, and the governing body of the sport.

• State Laws: Each U.S. state determines what sports can legally be wagered on. Some only allow betting on major professional leagues; others approve bets on any sport with proper regulation.

• Sportsbook Offerings: Just because something’s legal doesn’t mean your sportsbook offers it. Sportsbooks pick and choose based on demand, risk, and data reliability.

• Regulatory Oversight: Sports must be approved by regulators and have a governing body willing to work with sportsbooks to ensure data integrity and transparency.

For example, in 2022 the American Cornhole League partnered with DraftKings, allowing limited wagering on sanctioned cornhole events in approved states. While availability remains sporadic, it showed that niche sports are getting serious sportsbook attention.

Where Can You Bet on Pickleball and Similar Sports?

If you're intrigued, it takes a little effort to find these markets, but they're out there.

Regulated U.S. sportsbooks like FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, and DraftKings occasionally list niche sports during championship weekends or promotional events. These listings vary by state and come and go quickly, so staying alert helps.

You can also explore daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms like PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy, which offer player-based contests in lesser-known sports. These are legal in more states than traditional betting and may serve as a low-risk entry point.

Offshore books offer more extensive niche options but are unregulated, legally risky, and offer little consumer protection. Proceed with caution if you explore that route.

How Does Betting Work for Non-Traditional Sports?

Once you find a niche market, the mechanics will feel familiar but the landscape is less refined.

Common Bet Types

• Moneyline Bets – Pick the outright winner (e.g., Ben Johns at -150 vs. JW Johnson at +130).

• Totals (Over/Under) – Wager on the total points in a match (e.g., over/under 21.5).

• Spreads – Occasionally used when a match features a clear skill gap.

Since oddsmakers lack deep data, they rely on recent matchups and limited stats. The result? Looser lines, more volatility, and smaller betting limits to protect the book.

For sharp bettors, this creates opportunity. These early-stage markets often contain pricing errors. Just like a fresh snowfall reveals hidden paths, niche sports reveal inefficiencies that mainstream leagues have long buried.

Challenges and Risks in Niche Sports Betting

These emerging markets aren’t without pitfalls.

Bet limits are low. Stats are often sparse. Injury updates or lineup changes might be impossible to find. In some cases, you may not even know when a match starts if coverage is inconsistent.

Integrity is also a concern. In smaller sports with less media scrutiny, match manipulation becomes more feasible. That doesn’t mean it’s common, but it’s a real risk sportsbooks weigh heavily.

Bettors need to approach these sports with curiosity, caution, and a willingness to adapt. Think of it like betting in a new language, you’ll pick up the vocabulary, but don’t expect fluency overnight.

What Does the Future Hold?

These sports are not a passing novelty. They're growing. Media coverage is expanding. Athletes are building followings. Leagues are partnering with sportsbooks, and betting platforms are experimenting more boldly with new markets.

We’re already seeing:

• Sportsbook test markets for pro pickleball, cornhole, and disc golf

• Prop contests in alternative sports through DFS platforms

• Enhanced athlete visibility and YouTube-based scouting

• Growing social buzz around live-streamed niche championships

The more viewers tune in, the more betting will follow. If you're the kind of bettor who likes to be early. This is your kind of edge.

Quick Start: Try a Niche Bet Today

Ready to test the waters? Here are three ways to start:

1. Check your sportsbook – Scan the “All Sports” tab for one-off pickleball, disc golf, or eSports events.

2. Try DFS props – Sites like PrizePicks often player picks in smaller sports.

3. Start low-stakes – Wager $5–$10 just to observe line movement and get a feel for how books price these events.

   
   
   
   

Final Takeaway

Yes, you can bet on non-traditional sports like pickleball, but it takes curiosity, patience, and a willingness to explore new territory. These markets are limited, volatile, and often fleeting. But they’re also full of untapped potential.

Mainstream leagues will always dominate headlines, but they don’t have to dominate your slip. There’s something exhilarating about wagering on a drone race or a sudden-death cornhole match. Whether you’re sweating a disc golf final or backing a rising pickleball star, the stakes feel personal and the payoff, uniquely yours.