You’re into everything unusual — including unusual bets? Place a good one on 22Bet and discover something fascinating from the world of insects.
When we hear the word “betting,” we usually think of football, boxing, or horse racing. But few people know that in some countries, betting on insect competitions is actually quite popular. Yes, you heard that right! People place money on beetles, crickets, cockroaches, and even ants. And they do it with serious excitement.
Where is this popular?
These kinds of “competitions” are especially common in parts of Asia. In countries like Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, betting on insects isn’t that rare. Cricket fights are particularly popular in China and Thailand. These insects are specially bred, trained, and fed unique diets to keep them in top shape. Some enthusiasts can even tell the difference between cricket “breeds” and know their behavior just like boxing coaches know their fighters.
In Japan, there are online platforms where people can watch beetle wrestling matches. Viewers place bets and then anxiously watch two horned beetles trying to push each other off a small arena. The loser is the one who gets pushed out of the “ring.”
In the Philippines, cockroach racing is a hit. On tiny racetracks, pet cockroaches compete while spectators place real bets.
What does it look like?
It depends on the type of competition:
- Cricket fights are contact duels where a judge watches to see which insect pushes the other away or stops moving first.
- Cockroach races happen on mini tracks. The bugs race from start to finish while people shout, cheer, and turn it into a whole show.
- Beetle matches usually involve two stag beetles trying to throw each other off a platform to claim dominance.
Sometimes it gets really serious — there are commentators, spectators, organizers, prizes, and even cameras. The excitement can feel just like a real sports event.
Can this really be called a sport?
That’s where opinions split. On one hand, there’s competition, rules, fans, and betting involved. Some people even raise insects for years, train them, and care for them like athletes. That sounds a lot like sports.
On the other hand, the insects aren’t participating by choice. Their behavior is purely instinctive. Many critics see these fights as cruel, especially when the bugs get injured or killed. So, calling this a real sport is debatable. It’s more of a gambling-fueled pastime than a fair contest.
Why do people enjoy it?
It’s about the thrill, the adrenaline, the chance to win money — and the uniqueness of the whole thing. For many, it’s also a cultural tradition. In China, for example, cricket fights have been around since the Tang Dynasty — over a thousand years ago.
And for others, it’s just a fun way to feel strong emotions — like watching horse races, just on a much smaller scale.
Conclusion
Betting on insect competitions is no joke. It’s a real hobby, sometimes involving serious money, passion, and even professionals. Is it a sport? That’s up for debate. But one thing’s for sure — the excitement is very real.