How to Bet on the Oscars : Best Oscars Betting Sites and Legal Betting Guide 2026

Top Oscars betting site

To maximize the value of your Oscar bets, claim the top promo from Kalshi, the best Oscar betting site.

Kalshi - Best for Oscars betting in most states

Expert Verdict

Kalshi — one of the best prediction market apps in the country — allows you to wager on the Oscars in all 50 states. Betting on the Oscars with platforms like Kalshi is gaining traction and is simpler than it might seem at first glance.

Each market revolves around a single proposition, giving you a straightforward “Yes” or “No” option — think Best Picture winner, Best Actor outcome, or any outright victory. It’s a lot like placing moneyline wagers in sports betting but tailored to the glitz of the awards season. Personally, I love analyzing percentages and seeing where the wagering opportunities lie. Kalshi is unequivocally one of the best Oscars betting sites.

Carson Deveau Betting Editor

Kalshi promo terms and conditions

• Enter our exclusive Kalshi bonus code 'COVERS' to qualify for the offer.
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• Put down a minimum deposit of $1 or more and trade at least $10 in event contracts.
• No matter the results of your trading, you will receive a $10 bonus.
• The Kalshi promo has no expiry date and is still ongoing.

Refer to our Kalshi promo code review for an in-depth analysis.

	Kalshi
Kalshi sign up bonus	{{bonus/kalshi-sports/primary/sign_up_bonus_total/us}}
Bonus code	COVERS
Top feature	Event trading for niche markets
Minimum deposit	$1
Payout speed	48 hours
App Store rating	4.7/5  (67K reviews)
Android rating	4.1/5  (12.5K reviews)
Available states	All states except for AR, AZ, CT, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, and OH.

Kalshi key Oscar betting features

✅ Regulated U.S. prediction market platform: Kalshi operates as a federally regulated Designated Contract Market (DCM), offering legal, secure yes/no contract trading on Oscar outcomes in all 50 states without needing crypto.

✅ Wide range of Oscar categories and markets: It provides extensive markets covering all major Academy Awards categories, like Best Picture, Best Actor/Actress, Director, and niche ones such as International Feature or Cinematography, plus related bets like nominations or multi-win counts.

✅ Real-time trading and probability odds: Users can buy/sell contracts at any time before resolution, with prices directly reflecting crowd-sourced probabilities (e.g. a 74¢ "Yes" contract implies 74% chance), allowing dynamic hedging or profiting from shifting buzz.

Kalshi mobile view

Oscars betting odds 2026

Check out our 2026 Oscars betting odds & predictions page to dive into every category and the corresponding probabilities. 

One Battle After Another and Sinners lead the way for nominations, with the latter receiving a record 16 total noms. 

Odds to win Best Picture

For a comprehensive look at the biggest award, consult our Oscars Best Picture predictions. 

Note: Odds displayed are accurate at time of publish.

Film
One Battle After Another	77%
Sinners	21%
Hamnet	3%
Marty Supreme	2%
Sentimental Value	<1%
Train Dreams	<1%
Bugonia	<1%
Frankenstein	<1%
The Secret Agent	<1%
F1	<1%

Kalshi Best Director odds

Learn even more in our Best Director predictions. 

Film
Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)	92%
Ryan Coogler (Sinners)	9%
Chloe Zhao (Hamnet)	2%
Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value)	<1%
Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme)	<1%

Kalshi Best Actor odds

Explore this in depth in our Best Actor predictions. 

Film
Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)	56%
Timothee Chalamet (Marty Supreme)	34%
Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another)	7%
Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent)	6%
Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon)	2%

Kalshi Best Actress odds

For further details, check out our Best Actress predictions. 

Film
Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)	96%
Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I'd Kick You)	3%
Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue)	<1%
Emma Stone (Bugonia)	<1%
Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value)	<1%

Film
One Battle After Another	-400
Sinners	+275
Hamnet	+2000
Marty Supreme	+4000
Sentimental Value	+6500
Train Dreams	+10000
Bugonia	+10000
Frankenstein	+10000
The Secret Agent	+20000
F1	+20000

Real-time Odds - Oscar for Best Picture

DraftKings - Best for Oscar props

Does DraftKings have Oscars betting?

Yes, DraftKings offers Oscars markets in seven states — AZ, IN, KS, LA, MA, MI, and NJ — allowing one of the best sports betting apps to take center stage. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more well-rounded sportsbook to sweat out the awards gala, as you'll find plenty of Oscars props — like category sweeps or individual milestones — available.

Why Covers experts choose DraftKings?

Covers Expert Analysis

"I can confidently recommend DraftKings to any sports bettor. Regardless of how often you bet on sports or how much you tend to wager, DraftKings is one of the best options available. Line shoppers may find better odds elsewhere, but most punters will be satisfied with DraftKings."

Michael Duchesne, Managing Editor

DraftKings Sportsbook highlights

	DraftKings Sportsbook
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Payout speed	Within 24 hours
Top feature	Grading winners
Platforms	Desktop, iOS, Android
Legal age	21+
Licensed states	AZ, CO, CT, DC (18+), IA, IL, IN, KS, KY (18+), LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT WY (18+), WV
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Last reviewed	March 2026

DraftKings key Oscar betting features

✅ Top-tier Oscars betting app: In 2026, DraftKings stands out as a premier sportsbook app, lightning-fast and reliable, with Oscars betting markets front and center for easy access. 

✅ Intuitive design for Oscars fans: The sleek layout — on both desktop and mobile — makes finding Oscars betting options, from Best Picture to surprise upsets, effortless and seamless. 

✅ Best for grading Oscars winners: DraftKings excels at accurately settling bets, like whether your pick for Best Actor hits or misses, with consistent grading you can trust every time.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Don't forget to check out the latest DraftKings promo code page to learn about its corresponding offers.

How to sign up with Oscars betting sites

Choosing an Oscars betting site and placing bets on this year’s Academy Awards is straightforward. Follow the steps below to start betting:

1. Select a sportsbook: Pick a betting platform that offers Oscars betting that is also legal in your state. You can choose one of our top brands and click the link to visit the site.

2. Register online: Click 'Register' or 'Sign Up' on the sportsbook website. Enter your personal details (name, email, phone number, date of birth, and address). Set a username and password, and then click to open your account. 

3. Verify your account: Before you can cash out winnings, you must verify yourself by providing a government-issued ID and potentially a proof of address. 

4. Deposit: Go to the 'Deposit' section of the sportsbook. Select a payment method, such as a debit/credit card or e-wallet. Enter the minimum deposit amount and connect your payment method. Confirm the transaction. 

5. Claim a bonus: If the betting site has a deposit match, bet and get, or other type of bonus, the promotion may apply automatically when you deposit. If not, opt-in for the reward in the promotions section of your profile. 

6. Place your bet: Click the selection to put the market on the bet slip. On the slip, set your wager amount and confirm the bet. 

7. Withdraw: Once you've satisfied the terms of your welcome bonus, you can cash out your winnings.

Choosing an Academy Awards betting site

When selecting an Oscars betting site, you should consider several key factors to give yourself a good experience: 

Legal Regulations: Traditional betting on the 2026 Oscars is available only in select states, as some prohibit betting on award shows. However, platforms like Kalshi are available because they do not provide a strict betting system.

User Interface: Betting on a site with an intuitive design and UI is easier and more enjoyable. You should look for a sportsbook that offers efficient access to its Oscars betting markets, a streamlined bet slip, and an easy-to-navigate interface.

Payout Speed: Bettors value being able to cash out their winnings easily, so fast withdrawals are always a major selling point. Some sportsbooks process and release withdrawals within hours, while others can take days.

Available Markets: There will not be Oscars betting for all awards on every site. Some betting platforms may cover all the award categories, while others may have odds for the major categories (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, etc.)

Odds and Line Shopping: You should always shop around Oscars betting sites. By comparing sportsbooks, you can see which ones have the best odds for separate awards. The markets with the best value provide a better return when you make a bet.

Legal states for betting on the Oscars

Academy Award enthusiasts can rejoice knowing Kalshi is available for Oscar betting in 44 states below. On the other hand, DraftKings is far more limited, accepting wagers in just seven states — Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.

bet365 is available for 2026 Oscar betting everywhere in Canada. 

Oscars betting trends

Knowing how to bet on the Oscars is more than randomly guessing a winner. You can use a strategy to try to predict the best outcome. Consider analyzing trends, odds fluctuations, and previous awards. Historical patterns can provide insight into what could happen on the night. 

📈 Academy Awards Betting Trends - Best Picture

Industry momentum is the best indicator of which film will win the Best Picture award, even if upsets do sometimes occur:

Favorites vs. Underdogs: In most years, the heavy favorite for the award wins, but sometimes there is an upset, or a movie gathers momentum during awards season. For example, Parasite (2020) had longer odds early on but gained momentum before shockingly beating 1917, The Irishman, Marriage Story, and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. 

Genre Bias: The Academy favors socially relevant films or historical dramas, especially blockbusters or comedies. 

Early vs. Late Momentum: Some films remain favorites through the awards season (The Shape of Water, Nomadland), while others are popular (CODA over The Power of the Dog in 2022).

📊 Oscars odds movement

Oscars odds prices fluctuate as the season progresses, so choosing the right time to place your bet is important.

Early Betting Lines: Oscars betting markets open months before the ceremony, and early festival favorites can run out of steam. An example is frontrunner The Fablemans in 2023.

Late Surges: Films gaining momentum from SAG or BAFTA wins can see drastic odds shifts. 

Negative Press: Controversies can cause sudden declines in odds but may not impact the overall result (e.g., Green Book faced backlash but still won in 2019).

Covers Expert Analysis

"2026 is a great example of late Oscars odds movement. Sinners has seen some delayed momentum, largely thanks to Michael B. Jordan's surprise win for Best Actor at the BAFTA Film Awards. "

Christian Stringer, Sports Betting Editor

😲 Notable Oscar upsets 

To give you an idea of how shocks can happen compared to odds at the Oscars, below are some historic upsets from recent years:

2017 Best Picture – Moonlight (+600) overcame La La Land after a live announcement error.

2006 Best Picture – Crash (+400) upset heavy favorite Brokeback Mountain.

2022 Best Actress – Jessica Chastain (+400) was seen as a surprise when she won over Nicole Kidman (-150) for her performance in The Eyes of Tammy Faye.

🏆 Impact of other awards on Oscars odds

Undoubtedly, awards shows leading up to the Oscars can impact the results. You can use awards trends if you are betting strategically. However, remember that there is no guarantee that a winner of one award will also take the Oscar.

Golden Globes: Often influence early betting markets but are unreliable predictors.

Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards: A strong connection for acting category winners.

Directors Guild (DGA) Awards: A near-lock predictor for Best Director.

BAFTAs & Critics’ Choice: A late impactor of odds, especially for acting awards.

How to bet on the Oscars in Canada

With bet365, Oscars bettors can get in on the action anywhere in Canada.

bet365 - Best for Oscars betting in Canada

You can use bet365 to bet on the 98th Academy Awards everywhere in Canada. You'll find markets in every category and can even request markets directly with the online sportsbook. Beyond Oscar betting, you'll love the bet365 mobile app, which provides an excellent user experience and seamless navigation.

Why Covers experts choose bet365?

Covers Expert Analysis

"bet365 is a personal favorite here at Covers, as it is the do-it-all sportsbook for any type of bettor. Its wide range of pre-built same-game parlays and available odds boosts make wagering on any sporting event a breeze. Plus, the ability to wager on major awards shows and pop culture events is a massive plus."

Christian Stringer, Sports Betting Editor

bet365 Sportsbook highlights

	bet365 Sportsbook
Sign-up bonus	Bet $10, Get $50 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
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Top feature	Sharp betting odds
Platforms	Desktop, iOS, Android
Legal age	19+
Licensed states	AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NT, NS, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT
Responsible gaming	Visit bet365's responsible gambling guide
Last reviewed	March 2026

bet365 key features

• Live Oscars action: bet365’s ‘Live’ section lets Canadian users wager on the 2026 Oscars in real-time. However, streaming might not extend to the ceremony, keeping you engaged as the winners unfold. 
• Smooth navigation: With a clean, user-friendly layout on desktop and mobile, bet365 makes it effortless to browse Oscars markets — like Best Picture odds — while exploring other betting options, perfect for novices and pros alike. 
• Top-tier odds: bet365 consistently delivers above-average pricing on Oscars bets, often outshining competitors, making it a go-to spot for Canadians chasing the best value on award night predictions.

bet365 Sportsbook

You'll find everything you need to learn in the latest bet365 bonus code review to access its welcome offer. 

What types of Oscars bets can you place?

Oscars betting sites offer dynamic markets beyond simple predictions like Best Picture. Leading sportsbooks make betting on the Academy Awards more dynamic, including different types of markets and wagers. Below are the most common Oscars bet types. 

Oscar betting markets

The core offering is outright winner markets, where you will choose who will win a specific award category. The most common markets are:

• Best Picture: The most prestigious award at the Oscars, the Best Picture is the most popular betting market, and odds can change based on previous awards (like the BAFTAs or Golden Globes), general industry buzz, and critic reviews.
• Best Actor & Best Actress: An award for the outstanding performer in a leading role. Once again, previous awards show wins or any news leading up to the Oscars can change odds prices.
• Best Director: This is the Academy Award for the year’s best filmmaker. Previous awards shows can strongly predict this category’s outcome, especially the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards.

Other Major Categories

• Best Supporting Actor & Best Supporting Actress: These are awards for standout performances in a supporting role.
• Best Original & Adapted Screenplay: This award recognizes excellence in writing, either for an original script or an adaptation of existing work, such as a book.

Some Oscars betting sites go even further with technical markets such as cinematography or film editing. 

Oscars Prop Bets

If you want more dynamic options than the outright winner, some sportsbooks have Oscars prop bets:

• Over/Under on winners’ speech length: Wager on how long someone will take with their speech by choosing over/under a specific time limit.
• Will a particular movie win multiple awards? This option lets you bet on how many Oscars a movie will walk away with. 

How to watch the Oscars 2026: Live stream, TV channel & Viewing options

There are several options for watching the 2026 Academy Awards, including on cable television and several live streaming services. Are you wondering, "How do I live stream the Oscars?" or "Where can I live stream the Oscars?" Check out the full list below:

• ABC App & ABC.com: Stream the Oscars live by signing in with a participating TV provider on the ABC website or mobile app.
  
  
• Hulu (Live Stream): Hulu continues to offer a live Oscars broadcast with a standard subscription, with full replays typically available on-demand the following day.
  
  
• Hulu + Live TV: Live stream Oscars through Hulu’s live TV package, which includes ABC in most markets.
  
  
• YouTube TV: Stream the Oscars live on ABC with a YouTube TV subscription. DVR functionality allows you to record and rewatch.
  
  
• DIRECTV STREAM: Formerly AT&T TV, DIRECTV STREAM carries ABC and lets you watch the Oscars live without a traditional cable contract.
  
  
• Fubo: Watch the Oscars live on Fubo, which includes ABC in many regions and often features free trials for new subscribers.

What is the best strategy for Oscars betting?

We suggest that you avoid random wagers on Oscars betting sites. Instead, try to use a strategy by monitoring trends to become familiar with the nominees. While there are no guarantees of success, knowledge can help you to make wise betting decisions. 

📝 Understand the categories

Oscar award categories cover a range across performance and technical filmmaking so that the individual award can change in predictability. If you understand the award, you can better choose your wagers. For example, if there is a clear favorite for Best Picture, it does not mean the movie will also automatically win Best Director, although it is a strong indicator. 

Blockbusters are almost always ignored entirely for performative awards, so a Marvel movie is unlikely to win Best Picture. However, blockbusters typically win technical awards, such as Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, and Best Special Effects. 

🎬 Watch the movies

Undoubtedly, the Academy favors certain types of movies, such as historical films or those with a strong moral story. Movies with a social impact often do well at the Oscars. In acting, emotionally powerful performances usually get the vote over flashy performances. Watching the nominated movies can help you understand how each will resonate with the Academy voters. 

🏆 Track precursor awards

As mentioned, following the major film awards in the months leading to the Oscars can give you a picture of which films are likely to do well:

●    Best Picture: PGA Awards and BAFTA are strong indicators.
●    Best Actor/Actress: SAG Award winners often take home the Oscar.
●    Best Director: DGA Award winners almost always win the Oscar (there are exceptions, such as Argo in 2013).

If a category has winners split across precursor award ceremonies, this indicates an open race. That can be ideal for bettors, as the odds may be open and have value. 

🗣️ Pay attention to industry buzz and late surges

Predicting the Oscars can be tricky. Some films are immediate front-runners for months and go on to win awards. Some lead the race but fall away, while others start slow but surge leading up to the ceremony. Below are some examples of changing trends during the awards season:

• CODA (2022) was not the early Best Picture favorite but won several important precursor awards.
• Surprise nominations can indicate that the industry supports the nominee (for example, Olivia Colman winning Best Actress in The Favourite in 2019).

By tracking momentum, you can gain an overview of the market conditions and determine which films are worth betting on. 

Why trust Covers for Oscars betting?

Why trust Covers?

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