Betting the 2026 Winter Olympics
- Greg Kajewski
- 23 hours ago
- 12 min read
The 2026 Winter Olympics, held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6–22, will feature 116 medal events across 16 disciplines. With over 3,000 athletes from 93 nations, new events like ski mountaineering and changes in formats - such as equal race distances in cross-country skiing - promise fresh dynamics for both fans and bettors.
Key Highlights for Bettors:
Norway is favored for the most gold medals (-155), followed by Germany (+450), the U.S. (+500), and Canada (+600).
BettorEdge offers a peer-to-peer betting platform, allowing users to set custom odds and avoid house commissions.
Weather, start order, and athlete form can significantly affect outcomes, with odds shifting by 15-30% daily in some events.
NHL players return to men’s ice hockey for the first time since 2014, with Canada (+125) and the U.S. (+210) as top contenders.
The Games will also introduce new betting markets, from medal counts to individual athlete performances, making real-time analytics and strategic insights essential for successful wagering. BettorEdge’s tools, like social betting groups and custom wagers, provide flexibility to adapt to the evolving competition.
Top Countries to Watch:
Norway: Dominates Nordic sports like cross-country skiing and biathlon.
Germany: Excels in sliding sports, claiming 9 of 10 golds in 2022.
United States: Strong in alpine skiing, snowboarding, and figure skating.
Canada: Relies on ice hockey and curling, with NHL stars boosting their chances.
The 2026 Winter Olympics offer a unique mix of tradition and novelty, providing bettors with a range of opportunities to explore.
2026 Winter Olympics Picks, Preview | Milano Cortina 2026 Best Bets, Gold Medal Picks
Winter Olympics Sports and Disciplines
The 2026 Winter Olympics will showcase 16 disciplines across eight sports, each offering its own unique betting landscape. These categories not only highlight different athletic skills but also create distinct opportunities for betting strategies and shifting odds. Here's a closer look at how these disciplines shape the action.
Ice Sports
Ice sports include Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, Curling, Speed Skating, Short Track, Luge, Bobsleigh, and Skeleton. Among these, men’s ice hockey is set to attract significant attention, as NHL players return for the first time since 2014. Canada leads the odds at +125, with the USA close behind at +210. In women’s ice hockey, the competition remains a showdown between the USA (-120) and Canada (-105), which have collectively claimed every gold medal since 1998.
Speed skating offers 14 medal events, making it one of the most prolific disciplines in terms of medal count. Long-track speed skating, with its 400-meter time trials, tends to yield more predictable outcomes compared to the chaos of short track’s 111.12-meter pack races. Meanwhile, two new events - Women’s Doubles in Luge and the Skeleton Mixed Team Relay - will make their debut in 2026.
Snow Sports
Snow sports include Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Freestyle Skiing, and the debut of Ski Mountaineering. In Alpine skiing, events are divided into speed competitions (Downhill, Super-G), where a single run determines the winner, and technical events (Giant Slalom, Slalom), which combine times from two runs. Start order plays a critical role here: elite athletes (0–25 FIS points) start on fresh snow, shortening their odds by roughly 25%, while later starters face deteriorated conditions that can lengthen odds by 15–30%.
Ski Mountaineering, a newcomer to the Games, features three medal events: Men’s Sprint, Women’s Sprint, and Mixed Relay. This sport challenges athletes to ascend using “skins” on their skis, climb steep sections on foot, and descend rapidly. Additionally, Freestyle skiing introduces Dual Moguls, a head-to-head elimination format that opens up exciting matchup betting opportunities.
Nordic Sports
Nordic sports test endurance and precision, offering dynamic betting scenarios. These disciplines include Biathlon, Ski Jumping, Cross-Country Skiing, and Nordic Combined. In Biathlon, a missed shot results in a 150-meter penalty loop, adding about 30 seconds to the athlete’s time and creating sudden odds shifts. Historically, Norway has dominated these events, amassing 148 gold medals to date.
In Cross-Country Skiing, men and women now compete over equal race distances across 12 events, alternating between classic and free (skating) techniques depending on the format. Ski Jumping adds the Women’s Large Hill Individual event, continuing the push for gender equality in medal opportunities. However, Nordic Combined remains the only Winter Olympics sport without a women’s event.
Event Schedule and Competition Highlights
The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, with 3,500 athletes representing 93 countries. Knowing when key events take place can help bettors spot opportunities and make informed adjustments as the Games progress. These events also shape the betting landscape, working seamlessly with BettorEdge's peer-to-peer betting model.
Opening Week (February 6-10)
The first weekend is packed with medal events that can heavily influence futures markets. On February 7, the Men's Downhill kicks off at 5:30 a.m. ET, followed by the Women's 10km + 10km Skiathlon at 7:00 a.m. ET. The action continues on February 8 with the Women's Downhill (5:30 a.m. ET), the Biathlon Mixed Relay (8:05 a.m. ET), and the Men's 10km + 10km Skiathlon (6:30 a.m. ET). These early Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon outcomes are pivotal for "Most Medals" bets, especially considering Norway's dominance in these events - securing 30 gold medals across the last two Winter Games.
Ice hockey preliminaries start on February 5. Outdoor events like Alpine Skiing and Biathlon require close weather monitoring, as wind and visibility can dramatically impact results and shake up favorites. As the Games unfold, attention shifts to technical disciplines and the evolving conditions of each race.
Mid-Games Action (February 11-18)
This period is packed with technical Alpine events and intense Biathlon competitions. February 15 is particularly eventful, featuring the Women's Giant Slalom and final races for the Men's 12.5km Pursuit and Women's 10km Pursuit in Biathlon. On February 18, the Women's Slalom and Women's 4x6km Biathlon Relay wrap up this segment. Norway's track record in Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon makes it a strong contender during this stretch.
Germany also shines during this period, particularly in sliding sports like bobsled, where they claimed three out of four golds in 2022. For events like the Slalom, factors such as recent injuries and training performance often outweigh historical results. Bettors might find "To Medal" wagers - paying out for top-three finishes - a safer option compared to "To Win Gold" bets. BettorEdge's real-time analytics can help refine these wagers as results come in.
Closing Days (February 19-22)
The final weekend ramps up with some of the most exciting competitions. On February 19, the Women's Ice Hockey gold medal game takes center stage. February 21 follows with a packed schedule, including the Men's 50km Cross-Country Mass Start, the Women's 12.5km Biathlon Mass Start, and the 2-woman Bobsleigh finals. The Games conclude on February 22 with the Men's Ice Hockey gold medal game, the 4-man Bobsleigh finals, and the Women's 30km Cross-Country Mass Start.
In bobsleigh, teams complete four runs over two days; analyzing early heat times can provide valuable insights for final-round bets. For Biathlon Mass Start events, shooting accuracy plays a critical role. Additionally, the 30km and 50km Mass Start races use the classic technique instead of the free technique, so bettors should prioritize athletes who excel in this style. These final events will be key for wrapping up medal bets on BettorEdge, marking the end of the Olympic cycle.
Betting Strategies for the Winter Olympics
How to Analyze Medal Predictions
Medal predictions often rely on a mix of historical performance and current form. Take Norway, for example: they dominated the 2018 Winter Olympics with 39 medals and followed up with 37 medals in 2022. However, their success in 2022 was heavily focused - 10 of their 16 gold medals came from cross-country skiing, and 6 from biathlon. If Norway’s key athletes struggle or face injuries during the 2025-26 World Cup season, their dominance could waver.
Each country's sport-specific strengths play a huge role in shaping betting odds. Germany, for instance, swept 9 out of 10 gold medals in sliding sports during the 2022 Games, making them a strong contender for total medals, even if their gold tally isn't as high. The Netherlands, on the other hand, focuses almost entirely on speed skating, meaning a few bad races could drastically impact their medal count. Meanwhile, the United States spreads its talent across alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, and figure skating. This diversity provides more consistency but limits their potential to dominate in any single category.
New events and roster changes also open up opportunities for bettors. The 2026 Games will introduce ski mountaineering, giving smaller nations a chance to shine. Roster updates are another factor - Canada and the USA could see improved medal odds due to emerging talent. Italy, as the host nation, might also benefit from a home advantage, with current odds for most gold medals set at +1200.
Understanding tie-breakers is crucial for certain betting markets. For "Most Gold Medals", a tie is resolved by looking at total medals. For example, if Norway and Germany both end with 22 golds, the country with more overall medals wins. In "Most Total Medals" markets, gold medal count serves as the first tie-breaker. This means that injuries to key athletes, like Norway’s Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, can have a significant impact on betting outcomes. These nuances are essential for making informed bets, especially when leveraging tools like BettorEdge.
Using BettorEdge's Peer-to-Peer Tools
BettorEdge takes these medal predictions and turns them into actionable opportunities through its peer-to-peer marketplace. Instead of sticking to fixed odds, you can set your own price or buy into existing bets, much like trading stocks. For example, if Norway is listed at -155 (61% probability) for most total medals, but you think Germany’s sliding sports dominance makes them a better value at +500 (17% probability), you can place a custom order and wait for another bettor to match it.
Tracking smart money trends is another way to gain an edge. BettorEdge’s leaderboards and social feeds allow you to monitor high-volume traders and top-performing bettors. If you notice a surge in activity favoring Germany for total medals or Italy for a top-5 finish, it could indicate that informed bettors are acting early. You can choose to follow these trends or go against them if your analysis points in a different direction.
BettorEdge also offers group betting and head-to-head challenges, which add a collaborative element to your strategy. You can create a private group to pool insights on specific nations or athletes, then use BettorEdge’s analytics to track performance across disciplines. For instance, if you’re betting on the USA to win the most gold medals at +500, you can break down their chances by sport - alpine skiing, freestyle, snowboarding, figure skating, and hockey - and adjust your bets based on their performance in the 2025-26 World Cup season.
Finally, real-time analytics let you make adjustments mid-Games. If Norway underperforms while Germany excels, you can hedge your position accordingly. Since BettorEdge’s peer-to-peer model adjusts pricing based on community demand, it offers a level of flexibility that traditional sportsbooks simply don’t provide.
Top Countries and Athletes
Countries Expected to Win the Most Medals
Norway is leading the charge once again when it comes to medal predictions. They’ve dominated the last two Winter Olympics, racking up 39 medals in 2018 and 37 in 2022, with an all-time record of 148 gold medals. Their strength lies in Nordic sports like cross-country skiing and biathlon. In 2022 alone, they claimed an impressive 16 gold medals. The odds reflect their dominance, with Norway at -155 for the most gold medals and -250 for the most total medals.
Germany is a strong contender, particularly in sliding sports like luge, bobsleigh, and skeleton. At the 2022 Beijing Games, Germany claimed 9 of the 10 gold medals available in these events. With 105 all-time golds, their technical precision keeps them competitive, and they’re currently priced at +470 for most gold medals and +500 for most total medals.
The United States, with 114 all-time gold medals, is sending a robust team of 232 athletes to compete across various disciplines [8, 14]. Unlike Norway or Germany, Team USA relies heavily on standout performances in high-profile events like figure skating, alpine skiing, and snowboarding. The odds place the U.S. at +500 for most gold medals and +750 for most total medals.
Canada’s medal chances hinge heavily on ice hockey, especially with NHL players returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014. The men’s team, led by stars like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sidney Crosby, is a favorite at +125. On the women’s side, Canada dominates curling, holding strong at -250. However, their overall medal odds stand at +600 for most golds and +2200 for most total medals.
Italy, hosting the games, could capitalize on home advantage, especially in alpine skiing and short-track speed skating [35, 37]. Federica Brignone, currently leading the FIS World Cup all-around standings, and Sofia Goggia, a downhill powerhouse, are key players. Italy’s odds for most gold medals are set at +1200.
These country-level dynamics set the stage for some thrilling individual performances that could shift the medal table.
Athletes to Watch
Among the standout athletes, Ilia Malinin (USA) is a name to remember in men’s figure skating. He’s the only skater to land a quadruple axel in competition and boasts three world titles and four U.S. championships.
"Ilia Malinin is the name to know for figure skating. The reigning world and United States champion is only missing an Olympic gold medal from his trophy case".
In alpine skiing, Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) is a top contender in slalom. Currently ranked fourth in the FIS World Cup standings, she’s poised to make a strong showing.
"With a new mindset and a focus on her best events heading into Cortina, she will be the gold medal favorite in slalom".
Adding a touch of experience, Lindsey Vonn, at 41 years old, is making a dramatic return to compete in downhill events.
Freestyle skier Eileen Gu (China) is a triple threat, favored to win gold in big air, halfpipe, and slopestyle. Meanwhile, Chloe Kim (USA) leads the women’s halfpipe competition in snowboarding, and Jessie Diggins (USA) is emerging as a strong contender in cross-country skiing.
In ice hockey, Hilary Knight is captaining the U.S. women’s team in her fifth and likely final Olympics. The U.S. team holds a slight edge over Canada, with odds at -120 compared to Canada’s -105. Over in ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates (USA) are favorites, having secured three consecutive world titles. On the sliding track, Germany’s Francesco Friedrich is chasing history, aiming to become the first athlete to win five or six bobsled golds.
Conclusion
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina bring a wealth of betting opportunities, spanning 116 medal events across 16 disciplines. Norway stands out as the frontrunner with odds of –170 for securing the most gold medals, backed by its impressive track record in Nordic sports like cross-country skiing and biathlon. Other strong contenders, including Germany, the United States, and Canada, also offer intriguing options for bettors across various events. These diverse possibilities are shaping the betting landscape, offering new angles for those who approach the markets strategically.
BettorEdge’s peer-to-peer platform provides a unique way to engage with these events, enabling bettors to trade contracts directly with one another. This approach ensures market-driven pricing on bets ranging from total medal counts by country to individual athlete performances. The return of NHL players to men’s ice hockey adds another layer of excitement, with Canada currently favored at +125. Additionally, the introduction of new events like Ski Mountaineering and the unpredictable weather - temperatures around 50°F in Milan and 39.5°F in Cortina - could lead to pricing inefficiencies ripe for savvy bettors to exploit.
Whether you’re betting on Norway’s dominance, alpine skiing start positions, or biathlon shooting accuracy, BettorEdge’s advanced analytics and peer-to-peer model provide the tools to uncover profitable opportunities. As the 2026 Games are expected to generate the largest betting handle in Winter Olympics history, take advantage of these insights and BettorEdge’s resources to make more informed decisions as the action unfolds.
FAQs
How can bettors use weather and start order details to improve their chances during the Winter Olympics?
Bettors looking to sharpen their strategies during the Winter Olympics should pay close attention to weather conditions and start order, as both can heavily influence athlete performance. Events like skiing, snowboarding, and biathlon are particularly sensitive to factors like snow quality, wind, and temperature. For example, heavy snow or strong winds can slow competitors or change the course dynamics, often shifting the odds in favor of certain athletes. Monitoring weather forecasts before events can provide valuable insights for making smarter bets.
Start order also plays a key role, especially in sports such as bobsled, skeleton, and luge. Competitors starting earlier often face fresher track conditions, while those starting later might benefit from faster, more compact surfaces. By digging into start order data, bettors can spot potential advantages for specific athletes and refine their predictions. Combining weather analysis and start order insights can give bettors a better shot at predicting outcomes in markets like "Most Gold Medals" or "Most Total Medals."
What are the benefits of using BettorEdge for betting on the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Using BettorEdge for betting on the 2026 Winter Olympics offers a range of perks. As a peer-to-peer betting platform, it allows users to place bets directly with others. This often means more competitive odds and better value than what traditional sportsbooks typically offer. It’s particularly appealing for unique markets like "Most Gold Medals" or "Most Total Medals", as well as smaller events like alpine skiing or biathlon.
One standout feature is the ability to set your own odds and create custom markets. This gives bettors more control and flexibility, making the experience more tailored to their preferences. Plus, the platform encourages a lively community atmosphere, making betting more interactive and social. With its secure and transparent setup, BettorEdge also ensures compliance with all relevant regulations, so you can bet with peace of mind. It’s a great way to add excitement to your Winter Olympics experience.
What new events in the 2026 Winter Olympics could provide exciting betting opportunities?
The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to shake things up with the introduction of several new events, each bringing fresh energy - and fresh betting opportunities. One of the most intriguing is ski mountaineering, a sport making its Olympic debut. This combines the endurance of mountaineering with the speed of skiing as athletes tackle rugged mountain terrain. With this new addition, bettors can dive into uncharted territory, predicting medalists and standout performances in a discipline that’s entirely new to the Games.
Another exciting addition is the team combined event in alpine skiing, where national teams compete across downhill and slalom runs. This event puts a spotlight on team strategies, creating opportunities to bet on not just individual athletes but also overall team performances.
Also joining the lineup is dual moguls in freestyle skiing. This head-to-head format pits skiers against each other in a thrilling battle, adding a new layer of excitement to individual matchups and medal predictions.
These events broaden the range of possibilities for bettors, offering a chance to explore emerging sports and diversify wagers across both team and individual competitions.
