5 Big Sporting Events to Bet on This Summer (While Soccer Takes a Breather)

Once the Premier League wraps up and La Liga goes on pause, there’s a weird silence in the betting world. You open your favorite sportsbook app out of habit, then realize the usual Saturday chaos is gone. No early kick-offs. No injury-time winners. No VAR-induced meltdowns.

But don’t panic. Just because the big European soccer leagues are on their summer break doesn’t mean the sports calendar’s gone dry. In fact, June to August 2025 is packed with major events that are perfect for betting – if you know where to look.

From tennis to rugby, and even a little esports for the digitally inclined, there’s more than enough action to keep you entertained (and maybe a little bit profitable).

Wimbledon (June 30 – July 13)

Ah, Wimbledon. The only time of year we pretend to like strawberries and care about tennis etiquette.

But beyond the posh vibes and grass courts, Wimbledon is a goldmine for bettors. You’ve got outright markets (who’s taking the trophy?), set betting (how many sets will Alcaraz need?), and live bets that can flip faster than a Nick Kyrgios tantrum.

Plus, grass courts mean upsets are more likely. A few well-timed punts on underdogs? That’s how legends (and lucky weekends) are made.

Tour de France (July 5 – July 27)

If you’ve never bet on cycling, this might be your year to start.

The Tour de France isn’t just about who wears the yellow jersey – it’s about daily stage winners, sprint battles, mountain specialists, and team performance markets. There are so many ways to bet, it honestly feels like a multi-week strategy game disguised as a bike race.

Pro tip: Some of the best odds come from those lesser-known breakaway riders who steal a stage when everyone’s watching the big names.

The Open Championship (July 17 – July 20)

This year’s Open heads to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, and you can expect the usual chaos: wind, rain, bunkers that double as moon craters, and leaderboard swings that give you whiplash.

It’s not just about betting on who wins. Look for markets like top-10 finishes, head-to-head pairings, and even round scores. With golf, value comes from understanding course conditions and riding momentum – not just picking the top seed.

And yes, Rory’s the hometown favorite, but golf doesn’t care about fairytales. Check the odds and play it smart.

British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia (June 28 – August 2)

The Lions tours only happen every four years, and 2025’s edition is already shaping up to be massive.

Nine matches across Australia, including three crunch Test matches against the Wallabies, give you plenty of betting options – match winners, series scores, player props, and even first-try scorers.

And with rugby’s ever-evolving rules and momentum swings, in-play betting adds a whole new level of drama. Just remember: in rugby, a lead means almost nothing until the clock hits 80.

Esports Tournaments (All Summer)

So, the inaugural Olympic Esports Games got pushed to 2027, but esports betting is still red-hot in 2025.

Big-name tournaments in titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2 are happening all summer long, and these aren’t your little brother’s Twitch streams. We’re talking multi-million-dollar prize pools, packed arenas, and betting markets as deep as any traditional sport.

If you know the teams and how the meta shifts with each patch update, you can find real edges here. And if not? Well, there’s no better time to learn than during the soccer offseason.

Quick Word on Betting This Summer

Whether you’re placing a cheeky pre-match bet or live wagering as the action unfolds, this summer’s packed with opportunities. Just remember to shop around for the best odds, don’t chase a cold streak, and treat it like entertainment – not an income plan.

And if you’re new to some of these sports, don’t be afraid to start small. The goal isn’t just to win – it’s to stay in the game long enough to enjoy the ride.

So yeah, no Messi vs. Haaland this July, but you’ve got Federer’s spiritual heirs battling on grass, cyclists breaking away in the Alps, and esports pros trash-talking their way to glory. Not a bad way to spend a soccer-free summer.

Just keep your bets smart, your snacks close, and your weekends wide open.