BBC Sports Personality of the Year Betting

December 2026 sees the annual award, Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY), given to the British sportsperson whose achievements have captured the public's imagination. 

Fifteen of the best British athletes are all in contention to take home the iconic award this December. So, keep reading to learn about your SPOTY betting options at Betano Sportsbook. 

Introduction to BBC Sports Personality of the Year

First broadcast in 1954, BBC Sports Personality of the Year has stood as one of the most prestigious celebrations of British sport, evolving into a flagship moment of the winter schedule. 

At the heart of SPOTY is the iconic award, voted for by the public, which honours the athlete whose achievements, impact, and character have captured the nation. 

The SPOTY ceremony now holds awards that recognise British sport at all levels. Categories such as Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Helen Rollason Award, and Unsung Hero Award all celebrate what it means to be a part of British sport. 

The show itself has now become a sporting spectacle, moving from small studios to major arenas such as the NEC in Birmingham, Manchester’s MediaCity, and Aberdeen’s P&J Live. It draws live audiences in their thousands to revisit the defining moments of the sporting year. 

Over the years, Emma Raducanu, Lewis Hamilton, Andy Murray, Mo Farah, and Geraint Thomas have made the honours list. 

When is Sports Personality of the Year? 

SPOTY will take place in December, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. It will run from 7pm to 9pm BST and be available to watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 

Recent Winners of SPOTY  

Rory McIlroy was the deserved winner of the Sports Personality of the Year award in 2025 after completing the career Grand Slam with his win at August National earlier in the year. He became the first golfer since Nick Faldo in 1989 to win the prize, highlighting the significance of his achievement.  

Keely Hodgkinson was the SPOTY winner in 2024 after winning 800m gold in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She became the first athletics star to win the award since Mo Farah in 2017.  

The 2023 and 2022 awards went to England Lionesses Mary Earps and Beth Mead, respectively, for their achievements in the game. Before that, Emma Raducanu was honoured in 2021 for her incredible US Open tennis victory, while Lewis Hamilton secured his second SPOTY award in 2020 for his achievements on the track.  

Who is the Favourite to Win Sports Personality of the Year?  

You can check the latest odds for this year’s SPOTY award at the top of this page. The recipient must be British or reside and play most of their sport in the United Kingdom to be considered for the award. As of this year, there has never been a non-British winner.  

Among the favourites might be Formula One’s new poster boy, Lando Norris, who finished third in 2025. If he has another great season, he could follow in Lewis Hamilton’s steps and secure the SPOTY award in the coming years.  

Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is another who will surely win a SPOTY award at some stage of his career. Littler finished second to Keely Hodgkinson in 2024.  

Sports Personality of the Year Betting Tips & Insights 

With Sports Personality of the Year 2026 on the horizon, here are some tips and insights that will help inform your betting strategy: 

• Team success boosts individual chances to win SPOTY. 2026 is a World Cup year, so if England do well in the tournament, we might see Harry Kane and other stars nominated for the award.  
• Youthful and relatable figures tend to perform strongly, so consider young and emerging stars in various sports as value selections.  
• SPOTY voters are strongly influenced by defining moments, like completing a career Grand Slam (McIlroy), winning high-pressure matches and dramatic wins. 
• Remember to monitor upcoming events that could boost or undermine chances. 

How to Bet on Sports Personality of the Year at Betano 

You can bet on Sports Personality of the Year by creating an account today at Betano Sportsbook. Visit our homepage, click the “Sign Up” button, and complete the registration form. 

Then, visit our betting offers page and make your first deposit. With funds in your account, you can decide how much to stake and which bets to place. 

Please remember to gamble responsibly when betting on TV Shows like SPOTY at Betano. For more information, visit our Safer Gambling Portal to learn how to use responsible gambling tips to control your expenditure.