Legal to bet on 2024 Tour de France? Bet cycling responsibly
Author:
Zach Lutz
Published:
Jul 10, 2024
,
09:54 a.m.
ET
It’s a busy summer for France. The tennis French Open in Paris concluded in mid-June, the French national football team just made a run to the semifinals of EURO 2024, and Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics beginning July 26. All that, and we have yet to mention what’s currently going on in France!
The 111th edition of the Tour de France began on June 29 in Florence, Italy, and will continue until its final destination in Nice on July 21. Betting on the Tour de France has become increasingly popular as cycling fans capitalize on increased market exposure with major sportsbooks and look to add an extra layer of excitement to the world's most prestigious cycling race.
Before placing any bets, it’s essential to understand the legal landscape and some responsible betting practices to ensure a safe, sustainable experience. The Tour de France attracts millions of spectators and bettors worldwide with thrilling competition and betting markets offering numerous opportunities to engage with the race. But with a more niche sports betting opportunity, understanding the legal and regulatory framework is crucial to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure compliance with local laws.
Is it legal to bet on the 2024 Tour de France?
Location
In the United States, the legality of sports betting is determined at the state level. We’re now at 38 states plus Washington, D.C. that have legalized some form of sports betting, with 30 of those locations allowing mobile wagering. People located in those states are able to place bets on various sporting events, including the Tour de France. Checking the specific laws in your state is a necessary first step before considering any wagers.
Your geographic location plays a significant role in whether you can legally bet on the Tour de France. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York and Colorado have a wealth of sports betting markets where residents can place bets through licensed sportsbooks. In contrast, states like Utah and Hawaii have not legalized sports betting, making it illegal to place bets on any sporting event, including the Tour de France.
Age
In addition to location, age requirements must be met to legally bet on the Tour de France. Most states require bettors to be at least 21 years old. However, there are exceptions where the minimum age is 18, such as in Kentucky, Rhode Island and Wyoming. Even in these states, certain individual sportsbooks still enforce the 21+ age requirement, so it’s important to check the specific rules of the sportsbook you plan to use.
If you are between 18 and 20 years old and reside in a state where the minimum betting age is 18, remember that you may not legally place bets in other states with a higher age requirement. Always verify the legal age and other requirements before placing a bet.
What betting options are available for the Tour de France?
Betting on the Tour de France can be as simple or as complex as you choose, with a range of betting options to suit different interests and levels of expertise.
Bet Types:
Outright Winner: The simplest and most popular bet is on the outright winner of the Tour de France. This involves betting on which cyclist will win the entire race.
Stage Winners: You can also bet on the winner of individual stages. This bet type requires a deeper understanding of the cyclists' strengths and strategies for different stages.
Top Three Finish: This bet involves picking cyclists who you think will finish in the top three positions. This option provides a bit more flexibility than betting on the outright winner.
Head-to-Head Bets: These bets pit two cyclists against each other. You wager on which of the two will perform better in a particular stage or overall.
Points Classification: You can bet on which cyclist will win the points classification, awarded to the rider who accumulates the most points in intermediate sprints and stage finishes.
Climber's Classification: This is a more specialized market that points to the most points accumulated on mountaintop finishes and King of the Mountains sectors. The winner of this market earns the Polka Dot or Climber’s Jersey.
Dangers & risks of betting on the 2024 Tour de France
Betting on the Tour de France carries inherent risks due to the race's unpredictable nature and length. Here are some factors to consider:
Unknowns: Cycling is subject to numerous variables, including weather conditions, crashes and injuries, making it challenging to predict outcomes accurately.
Number of Bets Available: The variety of bets can be overwhelming. Without proper knowledge, bettors may place ill-informed wagers.
Length of the Race: The Tour de France spans several weeks, requiring sustained attention and analysis. The extended nature of the race can lead to increased exposure to betting risks.
Problem Gambling resources & treatment
Betting responsibly is key to ensure the activity remains enjoyable. Problem Gambling can have serious consequences, and it is important to recognize the signs and seek help if needed. Birches Health provides clinician-led resources and convenient treatment options for those potentially struggling with gambling-related issues. Care is conducted virtually by licensed professionals, so you can reap the benefits on your schedule and from the comforts of home. If you or someone you know has become preoccupied with gambling, Birches Health is here to help.
You can also simply call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in touch directly with the Birches team.
By understanding the legalities, exploring betting options responsibly, and recognizing the risks, you can enjoy betting on the Tour de France while minimizing potential pitfalls. Always bet within your limits and seek help if you need it.
