OLYMPICS Early Look at the Odds

A little over one month remains before the start of the Summer Olympics in Paris (July 26th-thru-Aug. 11th, so it’s time to start checking out some betting odds currently available.

As of this writing, there are only a handful of options on the board, but that’s going to change in a hurry. Here’s a look at some of those early wagers worth a look at the 2024 Paris Olympics… 

Garnering the Gold

With these Olympics held at 35 venues in and around Paris, a bit of an advantage is afforded the French. France hasn’t always had a ton of success in the Games, but the top athletes will get a nice boost performing before the homeys.

It’s no surprise the United States is the overwhelming (-650) favorite when it comes to taking home the gold, according to Summer Olympics medal odds. Since the Americans tend to run roughshod in the Summer Games, there’s no money to be made with this wager.

The second choice in this category is China, priced at 7-2 (+350). France is actually the 66-1 (+6600) third choice, which sort of confirms the lack of parity on this board. 

The ‘Heavy Medals’

We can’t ignore medals of the silver and bronze variety, leading to another lopsided board. 

If you thought Team USA was a puny proposition (and they are) to win the battle of the golds,  that’s peanuts compared to the death-and-taxes -2200 number to win the overall medal derby. 

It’s sort of a given the Americans close the sale here, with the Chinese next at (10-1) +1000 and Japan at 50-1 (+5000).  

Conquering the Clay 

It wasn’t that long ago that the best in tennis invaded Paris to compete in the French Open. Now, with Wimbledon on the horizon (fortnight beginning this Sunday), it’s a situation of clay-to-grass-to clay, with the Olympics offering a (July 27th) return to Roland-Garros. 

Carlos Alcaraz, winner of the French Open, is 2-1 (+200) to repeat the feat at the Olympics. 

What to do about Novak Djokovic? Having torn his meniscus at the French (subsequently forced to retire), the Serb has prioritized the Olympics over Wimbledon. 

If you’re a believer in modern medicine, Djokovic is priced at 3-1 (+300) in a huge risk/reward proposition. In between is Janik Sinner at 11-4 (+275).

There’s Alexander Zverev (6-1, [+600]) and 14-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal (10-1, [+1000]) as well, the latter possibly in a last hurrah 

Iga is Odds-On

The last three French Opens (four of last five) have Iga Swiatek’s name on them, thus the Polish phenom is 10-19 (-190) to win gold at the same venue, as per Summer Olympics tennis odds.

If you think Swiatek might be somewhat vulnerable, the second choice is Coco Gauff at 5-1 (+500) and Elena Rybakina at 9-1 (+900).

Volleyball (women), surfing and water polo also have odds available. As the Games get closer, more sports (including basketball) are added as well as changes to boards already posted.

By the way, the 2028 Summer Olympics are being hosted by Los Angeles.