Olympics betting adds extra dimension

When the Games of the XXIX Olympiad start on August 8, it will launch the biggest ever Olympics betting event.

Beijing will give punters the chance for more Olympics bets than ever before, with some 302 events contested across 28 sports all of which will have an effect on the popular medals table Olympic betting.

Studying form the key to Olympics bets

Those considering an Olympics bet should check out the form of established top competitors and those who are up and coming and have timed their rise to peak at the Games.

The Olympics odds will be shortest for the likes of current world no.1-ranked athletes, swimmers, boxers and weightlifters.

But much of the skill in planning an Olympic bet comes into play in establishing the true value of those rankings and equating them to odds on offer. Current rankings will only be based on the most recent performances, whilst some competitors may have chosen to rest instead of compete in recent events which could give a false indication of their potential.

Olympics odds short on China

The Olympic odds on offer for China to challenge for the overall top spot in gold medals won are likely to be snapped up.

Having gained 32 golds in Athens four years ago, just four behind the United States, China are likely to be warm favourites in the betting.

Among their stars fancied to produce winning Olympic bets is swimmer Zhou Yafei, the Asian record holder of the women's 100 metre butterfly. Her Olympic odds recently shortened following an outstanding performance where she beat both her own national record and Asia record with a time of 57.95 seconds.

The sport of athletics throws up some of the most memorable events, with the marathon and the sprint double of 100m and 200m always among the favourite events in terms of TV viewers and Olympics bets.

All eyes will be on new world record holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica in the 100m, though his compatriot and former record holder Asafa Powell will pose a real threat.