Beat the January Blues: Sports to Bet On Beyond Football

As the festive season winds down, many bettors feel the slowdown too. Football calendars often get disrupted—some leagues take winter breaks, others shuffle fixtures due to weather or cup commitments. For punters used to a steady rhythm of matches, January can feel like a cold, quiet month.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, January is one of the most underrated months in the betting calendar. While football may briefly step back, other major sports take the spotlight—offering fresh, value-packed markets and dynamic live betting opportunities.

Let’s dive into the best sports to bet on in January—and how PIWI247 can help you turn a cold month into a hot streak.

NBA: Form, Fitness & Fast Games

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is in full throttle during January. By this time, teams have shaken off early-season rust, star players are ramping up their workloads, and clear patterns begin to emerge—both on court and in the markets.

Savvy bettors know that the NBA is rich with options: point spreads, total points, player props, and live bets that change with each possession. Injuries, travel schedules, and back-to-back games have a direct impact on performance, and those who follow closely can spot edge-worthy mismatches.

January is also when underdogs start upsetting favourites more often—especially in road games where fatigue sets in. For value-hunters, this month can be golden.

Australian Open: Slam Season Starts Here

If there’s one January event that can rival football in intensity, it’s the Australian Open. The year’s first tennis Grand Slam is a punter’s paradise, packed with storylines, surprises, and endless stats to analyse.

The heat, the hard courts, and the time zone shifts all play a role. It’s a tournament where fitness matters as much as form, and where younger or lesser-known players often shock seasoned pros.

Markets worth exploring include:

• Over/Under games or sets

• Outright winners for value before the draw opens

• Set betting, especially in early rounds
  

This is where your knowledge of form and player profiles can pay off handsomely. Whether you’re betting pre-match or riding the waves of a five-set thriller in-play, tennis rewards preparation.

NHL: Ice-Cool Bets with Sharp Value

Don’t overlook the National Hockey League. While it may not have the same fanfare globally, NHL betting is at its peak in January, as teams push harder for playoff positions.

If you enjoy tight margins, fast-paced strategy, and form-based analysis, this is for you. Goalie performances become more consistent mid-season, and defensive trends are easier to track.

Sharp bettors focus on:

• Total goals (Over/Under)

• 1st Period outcomes

• Live odds, particularly during power plays or shifts in momentum

   

Hockey is incredibly dynamic, and PIWI247’s real-time odds give you the ability to react instantly—especially when games shift in a blink.

Boxing & MMA: Punchy Markets to Start the Year

The new year is often a clean slate for fighters—and January fight cards are packed with competitors looking to make a statement.

Boxing and UFC offer unique betting angles. Whether it’s a rising star in a smaller card or a major title fight, punters can find value in:

• Method of victory

• Round-by-round betting

• Underdogs with strong camps or recent activity

Unlike team sports, combat sports depend heavily on individual preparation, weight cuts, and even motivation. These are the hidden variables that make or break value.

At PIWI247, you can track shifts in odds as the weigh-ins happen or news breaks—keeping you one step ahead.

Cricket: Tests, T20s, and Endless Opportunities

January is also massive in the cricketing world. Whether it’s Test matches between major nations or domestic T20 leagues like the Big Bash in Australia, there’s always a ball being bowled somewhere.

Cricket betting is tailor-made for analytical bettors. The markets move slowly compared to football, allowing more time for research and strategy.

You can explore:

• Top batsman/bowler bets

• First innings totals

• Match result + over/under run combos

Cricket rewards those who follow team form, pitch conditions, and player matchups. It’s also one of the few sports where live betting can be less chaotic—giving you the chance to adjust mid-game with confidence.

The January Advantage

Here’s the thing most punters miss: January is not a slow betting month—it’s a smart one.

When public focus shifts away from football, markets become less efficient. That’s your cue to step in. By diversifying your bets and exploring overlooked sports, you gain an edge. You also develop broader betting skills, learning how to read form and adapt strategies across multiple disciplines.

And when you’re ready to place your bets? PIWI247 is your all-season partner—with deep markets, fast live betting, and smart tools that help you beat the books.

New Year, New Edges

If you’ve ever felt stuck during the post-holiday lull, this is your chance to break out. The start of the year is not just about recovery—it’s about finding new rhythms, new markets, and new value.

Whether you’re chasing three-pointers in the NBA, baseline rallies in Melbourne, or sneaky totals in cricket, January gives you everything you need to stay sharp—and profitable.

Ready to bet smarter in 2026?
PIWI247 brings you fast live odds, wide market access, and intuitive tools to explore NBA, tennis, cricket, and more.

• Real-time betting
• Early cash-outs
•  24/7 action across global sports

Bet beyond football. Bet smarter. Bet with PIWI247.

Disclaimer:

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data, market trends, and sports analysis. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, PIWI247 does not guarantee the completeness or reliability of any statistics or betting outcomes mentioned. All betting involves risk. Please gamble responsibly. You must be 18 years or older and comply with local gambling laws and regulations in your area.

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Kyle Daly

Is a 35-year-old sportswriter who enjoys walking, jogging, and other physical sports. He started in different blogging platforms and is now a guest blogger for PIWI247. He loves basketball the most. Follow him on Quora today.