Most sports bettors stick to the usual suspects—football, basketball, and soccer. But what if your passion lies with snooker, handball, futsal, darts, or esports? If you’re into less mainstream competitions, you’ll need a sportsbook that goes beyond the basics and offers deep coverage, competitive odds, and special betting markets for niche sports.
The good news is that more online sportsbooks are expanding their reach into specialized markets. Here are the top sportsbooks for niche sports betting, and what makes each one worth checking out.
1. Bet365 – Best Overall for Niche Markets
Why it stands out:
- Extensive global coverage across darts, snooker, table tennis, futsal, beach volleyball, and more
- Live betting on many niche events
- Great market depth, including player props and alternative totals
Extra features:
- Livestreams for smaller tournaments
- In-depth stats for sports like badminton and squash
- Reliable mobile and desktop platforms
Best for: Bettors who want wide access to global sports and prefer detailed betting options across the board.
2. Pinnacle – Best for Sharp Odds and Low Margins
Why it stands out:
- Known for ultra-competitive odds, especially in esports, MMA, and smaller leagues
- Accepts high-stakes wagers and rarely limits winners
- Minimal distractions—clean interface focused on betting value
Extra features:
- Deep coverage of esports titles, including less popular games and regional leagues
- Regular odds boosts in niche sports markets
Best for: Experienced or value-driven bettors who prioritize margins and like betting in high volume.
3. Unibet – Great for European Niche Sports
Why it stands out:
- Excellent coverage of European and Scandinavian sports, such as handball, bandy, and floorball
- Deep market selection and regular promotions for under-the-radar sports
Extra features:
- Customized event filtering by sport or country
- Competitive odds on cycling, athletics, and lesser-known leagues
Best for: Fans of regional sports in Europe and players who enjoy betting outside the mainstream spotlight.
4. William Hill – Trusted Name with Hidden Gems
Why it stands out:
- Classic sportsbook with surprising depth in niche sports
- Frequent coverage of political events, TV specials, and unique betting props
Extra features:
- Early lines on snooker and darts championships
- Combo bet builder with niche matchups
Best for: Casual bettors looking for a trusted platform that still offers a wide variety of lesser-known sports and novelty bets.
5. Betway – Best for Esports and Emerging Markets
Why it stands out:
- Dedicated esports section with coverage of major and minor tournaments
- Focused support for combat sports, cricket, and virtual sports
Extra features:
- Regular esports promotions and enhanced odds
- A user-friendly mobile app with customizable notifications
Best for: Tech-savvy bettors and fans of digital sports who want a smooth experience across esports and mobile platforms.
What to Look for in a Niche Sportsbook
When choosing a sportsbook for niche betting, keep the following in mind:
- ✅ Coverage: Do they offer markets for your sport of interest?
- ✅ Live betting: Are in-play options available for smaller events?
- ✅ Odds quality: Are the odds competitive compared to other books?
- ✅ Market depth: Do they offer more than just moneylines? (e.g., props, totals, futures)
- ✅ Accessibility: Is the platform easy to use and available in your region?
Some sportsbooks also offer early lines for niche sports, giving you an edge if you’re tuned into the scene before the general betting public.
Final Thoughts: Bet Where Your Passion Lies
Whether you’re a diehard handball fan, a dartboard aficionado, or someone who loves the strategy of table tennis betting, there’s a sportsbook out there tailored to your interests. While mainstream sportsbooks focus on big leagues, these platforms offer hidden gems and deeper betting opportunities for niche markets.
The key is to choose a site that not only covers your sport but also gives you the tools—like live betting, stats, and fair odds—to make smart, satisfying wagers.