The
event has been taking place since 2010 and already has a huge following, which
is indicative of the growing popularity of Muay Thai itself. The martial art
originated in Thailand and has been practised since the era of King Naresuan in
1560 CE. It involves using 'eight limbs,' including the fists, elbows, knees
and shins, making it a full contact sport.
The
fighting principles of Muay Thai put it in the same bracket as UFC, which uses
mixed martial arts and attracts a 2.3 million viewing following. Within
this, sports betting
sites make
a huge profit year on year, as the world of sports betting grows and the
martial art becomes more popular.
With
so many viewers watching and betting on UFC, it begs the question as to why
more spectators do not have a bet on Muay Thai fighting. Geography could indeed
be one issue – with the majority of the sport's events taking place and being
screened in Thailand, there is a potentially smaller betting market which is
usually targeted towards Western viewers.
Despite
gambling being completely illegal in Thailand, the sport carries its own form
of betting, which is hugely popular amongst spectators. Audience members use a
series of hand gestures to convey their betting intentions.
A
bet on the favorite, for example, will be indicated by the spectator putting
his hand facing downwards. Alternatively, a bet on the underdog will be
characterized by a palm facing upwards. This form of 'mime' betting is one of
the only legal bets in Thailand, and is widely used in the Lumpinee Stadium,
known by locals as the 'Mecca of Muay Thai.'
With this type of betting becoming more popular
each day, it is now perhaps time for popular sports betting sites to tailor
their bets towards the sport of Muay Thai. The sport is already beginning to
achieve global recognition, and with sports betting getting over obstacles
such as legislation in the modern day, it could just be a matter of time before
spectators the world over are putting their money on tournaments or fights all
over the world
