Why we love betting on TV shows : TOP bookies to bet on shows in the UK

Betting on TV shows is a particular favourite of the Brits. We’re certainly known for our predilection for soap operas and trashy reality TV.  

In fact, our productions in these categories are so iconic that they are enjoyed by TV fans across the world, so it stands to reason that there’s a decent market to enjoy having a flutter on the outcomes of such shows.  

TV show betting adds a further level of entertainment to our casual viewing, and the blend of entertainment and wagering has struck a particularly resonant chord for UK viewers.  

Quite simply, the concept involves placing bets on various outcomes of popular TV programs, ranging from reality TV programs to scripted dramas. This heightened sense of engagement allows you to not only follow your favourite TV show but have a wager on the outcome and ultimately cash in on your knowledge or understanding of the show.  

Combining the British love of telly with the advent of online gambling platforms opened the doors for this natural progression, and today, we can enjoy betting on everything from who’s getting married next in Corrie to the next winner of I’m a Celebrity.  

As this British Gambler article reveals, it’s a perfect convergence of television entertainment and online gambling that gives us a whole host of new markets to explore.  

Different types of TV show betting 

As TV show betting becomes more popular, the available markets have increased. There are perhaps four major categories of TV show odds, which we will look at in more detail below:  

Reality TV Shows 

Love it or hate it, reality TV is here to stay. Since those early Big Brother days, our screens have been awash with reality TV shows, and their unpredictability makes them perfect for betting on. 

You will find plenty of Love Island odds to tantalise, get markets on who will be the next person evicted from the Big Brother house, who will be crowned Great British Bake Off champion and heaps more.  

It’s a fantastic space for gambling as we side with personalities we like and watch along with the action to see what dramas will shake up a show’s outcome next.  

Talent Shows 

Talent shows have become so popular that they now deserve a category of their own. From Dancing on Ice to Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly, we have gone crazy for watching contestants show off their talents and battle it out to earn the nation’s admiration.  

You can explore plenty of Strictly Come Dancing odds, from who will win to predictions on individual performances, judges’ scores, evictions, and more.  

Game Shows 

We’ve also seen an uptick in game shows over the past decade, likely a homage to the 80s and 90s culture that is enjoying such a resurgence at the moment. Not only have we seen the likes of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Catchphrase return to our screens, but a whole host of new game shows have joined the ranks. Each show has its own unique gameplay, and the markets you can gamble on reflect these differences. 

It is possible to gamble on the successes of specific contestants, what the final scores will be, when the next millionaire will be made, or specific questions that might arise in a quiz, for example.  

There are now bookies who accept the most nuanced of props bets, depending on the game show you choose and the markets already open. This adds a further layer of excitement when you’re playing along at home, knowing there’s something riding on the outcome of the game.  

Dramas 

From Coronation Street and Eastenders to Doctor Who and incredible blockbusters like Game of Thrones, we love our telly, and we love to gamble on what we’re watching. Think you know who’s getting killed off next in Corrie? Or who’s pregnant? Want to place a bet on who will play the next Doctor? Why not take a punt?  

There are so many opportunities to place wagers on your favourite TV shows, whether across plot twists, character survival or season finales, and all help create an extra layer of excitement when you’re watching at home.  

Which TV shows are popular in the UK to bet on? 

Betting on TV shows sees some productions garnering significantly more attention than others. The viewership numbers reveal which shows are drawing in the crowds, which will generally be reflected in the betting markets. Some of the most lucrative and popular to date are as follows:  

Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly made its TV debut on the BBC in 2004 and is one of the most popular of all talent shows and draws in millions of viewers each night. In 2023, the season finale peaked at 9.9 million viewers.  

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here

This popular series first aired on ITV in 2002 and typically attracts about 9 million viewers per season. The odds and betting bonus you can find at Betfred UK. 

Love Island

First aired in 2015 on ITV2 and has grown significantly in popularity over the years, with its 2022 season drawing as many as 5 million viewers for its opening episode. Bet with the best odds and bonus at bet365 UK.

Big Brother

One of the first reality TV shows, Big Brother came to our screens in 2000 on Channel 4 and soon became a staple in British TV viewing. While the show’s popularity has fluctuated over the years, it still has a massive following, and the celebrity version has been known to draw in viewership numbers up to 3.8 million.  You can place bets on Big Brother and other TV shows online by using bet apps like 10bet.

How to pick the best TV show betting odds  

Betting on anything is a gamble; that’s what makes it so exciting. But there are ways to help the odds work in your favour, and that’s by doing your research.  

Of course, humans are unpredictable by nature, so you’ll never be able to predict an outcome with 100% accuracy, but the better you understand the characters you’re watching, the better your chances will be.  

Betting on reality TV can be fantastic for this reason, as the further into the show you get, the more each contestant’s personality, which can help you determine how they might react to a task or quest. It also works for talent shows, as you get to know what the judges like and dislike and can get a feel for the resistance of the contestants.  

Are you ready to bet on TV? 

So there you have it, the British obsession with a good bit of television and the betting markets that go with it. Add some spice to your TV watching by placing bets on how you think things will pan out, or give yourself something to talk about in the office on Monday morning.  

Regardless of whether you’re as committed to the show’s outcome or not, nothing makes TV more exciting than the chances of winning a payout. Start exploring television markets and take a punt on your favourite TV shows today.  

Top 10 UK Betting Sites to Bet on TV Shows in 2025

These UK betting platforms offer fantastic bonuses for TV show betting bettors, from reality hits like Love Island to talent show blockbusters like Strictly Come Dancing. Place your bets on who will win, lose, or steal the spotlight!