Betting on Disc Golf: Good or Bad?

Betting on Disc Golf: Good or Bad?

Fortunately for us who love the game, disc golf has seen remarkable growth over the past 5 years (the only good thing to come out of COVID?). Some estimations show that participation has grown 150-200% over that time. And on the pro side, payouts have increased significantly and are steadily moving out of the niche realm and into the mainstream. But, with the growth and amount of traction the sport has gained, the introduction of betting on professional disc golf has sparked both excitement and concern. Betting can elevate the sport’s profile, but it also brings risks that could impact its integrity and community dynamics. It has the potential to boost visibility and legitimacy, while also bringing along challenges of player-bettor interactions and the risk of scandals.

 

Status of Betting on Disc Golf

As of April 28, 2025, betting on professional disc golf has become more accessible, particularly for events on the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT), thanks to recent partnerships and regulatory approvals. Bets can be placed on DGPT events through online sportsbooks and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms that have partnered with the tour. Starting with the MVP Music City Open in early April 2025, platforms like DraftKings and Underdog Fantasy have opened betting lines for disc golf tournaments, as announced by the DGPT. These platforms offer options like winner bets, head-to-head bets, and prop bets (e.g., highest score on a hole or total birdies). And, NXTbets.com/playdgpt is a key resource for betting on disc golf.

However, betting is only available in states where disc golf has been approved for wagering, and regulatory approval varies by jurisdiction. Internationally, betting on disc golf has been available in Europe for about a year, with platforms like Coolbet offering odds on events like the PDGA Majors and DGPT tournaments. Coolbet, popular in Estonia and Scandinavian countries, has been a steady option for disc golf betting since around 2018, and it’s accessible in some regions like Canada. Additionally, some disc golf enthusiasts engage in private betting pools or fantasy disc golf through platforms like SkipAce and HyzerBase, which offer free leagues with strategic elements, though these may not involve real money.

To their credit, the DGPT has put in place strict policies to maintain integrity, prohibiting players, staff, and event personnel from betting or sharing inside information, and they’ve partnered with U.S. Integrity (IC360) to ensure compliance. Betting options are still limited - mostly focused on tournament outcomes rather than granular hole-by-hole bets - to reduce the risk of manipulation.

 

Pros of Betting on Professional Disc Golf

One of the most significant advantages of betting on professional disc golf is the increased visibility it brings to the sport. As betting platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel begin to include disc golf alongside traditional sports, the sport gains exposure to a broader audience of sports enthusiasts who might not otherwise discover it. For example, the 2024 USDGC, with 122 MPO players competing for $132,172, demonstrated the sport’s growing economic impact, contributing millions to local economies. Betting amplifies this by drawing in viewers who follow their wagers through live streams on platforms like the Disc Golf Network (DGN). This heightened visibility can attract new sponsors, increase media coverage, and grow the fan base, pushing disc golf further into the mainstream spotlight.

Additionally, betting elevates disc golf to a new level, legitimizing it as a serious competitive sport rather than just a niche pastime. When fans can bet on outcomes like tournament winners or individual round scores, it signals that disc golf is on par with sports like golf, tennis, or even e-sports, which have thriving betting markets. This perception can lead to greater investment in the sport, a move that mirrors strategies in larger sports to capitalize on fan engagement. For players, this can translate to higher purses and better resources. By aligning with betting, disc golf can shed its "fringe sport" label and establish itself as a professional endeavor worthy of global attention.

 

Cons of Betting on Professional Disc Golf

Despite these benefits, betting introduces significant risks, particularly due to the high level of player interaction in disc golf. Unlike larger sports where athletes are often separated from fans, disc golf events like the Champions Cup or USDGC encourage close player-fan engagement, with spectators walking alongside players on the course. If bettors lose money on a specific player - say, a fan bets on Paul McBeth to win but he finishes second - they might confront the player directly, leading to tension or harassment. This accessibility, while a strength of disc golf’s community, becomes a liability when betting is involved, as emotional bettors could disrupt events or create hostile environments, potentially creating security issues that have not been seen before.

Another major concern is the potential for player-related scandals which have plagued other sports, such as point shaving or match-fixing. In disc golf, a player might be tempted to manipulate their performance—perhaps intentionally missing a putt or throwing out-of-bounds—to influence a betting outcome, especially if they’re approached by bettors or face financial pressures. The sport’s rapid growth and increasing prize money make it a target. Such scandals could tarnish the sport’s reputation, alienate fans, and undermine its community-driven ethos, which values fair play and camaraderie.

(Clearly, there's an element of betting that cannot be minimized - the addictive nature of the activity. But, while that is serious in and of itself, this post is meant to address the issues where we are now, which is the availability of sports betting in most areas.)

 

Safeguards to Mitigate Risks

To address these concerns, several safeguards are in place to regulate betting on disc golf. One key measure is imposing limits on how much can be wagered, reducing the financial incentive for manipulation. For example, platforms might cap bets at $100 per event, ensuring that the stakes remain low enough to deter large-scale fixing schemes while still allowing casual betting. Additionally, the ways to bet on disc golf are often limited - most platforms only offer bets on tournament winners or top finishers, rather than granular outcomes like individual hole scores, which are harder to monitor and more susceptible to manipulation. These restrictions help protect the sport’s integrity, but they may also limit betting’s potential to drive significant revenue or visibility, creating a delicate balance between growth and safety.

Betting on professional disc golf offers a promising avenue to increase the sport’s visibility and elevate its status, drawing in new fans and legitimizing it as a competitive endeavor. However, the risks of strained player-fan interactions and potential scandals pose serious threats to the sport’s integrity and community spirit. While safeguards like betting limits and restricted wagering options provide some protection, they may not fully address the challenges as disc golf continues to grow.

 

Final Thoughts

As the sport navigates this new frontier, stakeholders—players, organizers, and betting platforms—must work together to ensure that betting enhances disc golf’s appeal without compromising its core values. Only then can disc golf capitalize on the opportunities betting presents while preserving the integrity that has fueled its rise.

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