Boccia is a variant of the game of bocce, which is a precision ball game found in countries across the globe. While bocce has a devoted following, it can be argued that boccia is the more well known version of the game, even being included in the Paralympics.
The overall theme and gameplay of boccia are similar to those of bocce, but boccia is almost exclusively played by those that have a disability of some kind. This means that the game has its own set of rules and guidelines specifically designed to ensure the game is fair to all those playing it. Betting on boccia can be challenging and a good knowledge of the sport is key to getting results.
How Boccia Started
It quickly became apparent to some that precision ball games would make a good platform for those suffering from severe physical disabilities, especially those that affect motor skills. Boccia was first invented with patients of cerebral palsy in mind, but it quickly became a popular sport among anyone with some sort of physical deformity. The nature of the game means it is both competitive and fair, and completely based on the skills of the player as opposed to games that rely on chance. In 1984, boccia was officially added as a Paralympic sport, and has remained part of the Paralympics every since. Today, bocca is played in well over 50 countries, and all official games are monitored and governed by the Boccia International Sports Federation.
Boccia Rules and Gameplay
Individuals, pairs, and teams can play boccia, and the game is designed for both genders to play at the same time. Like bocce, the aim of the game is to try and get as close to the jack as possible, while also repositioning other player’s balls, making boccia a deceptively competitive sport. The balls used in boccia are made from leather, and each team or individual uses a colour-coded ball that is assigned to their team. The game ends when all the players have run out of balls to play, and the winner of the game is the team with the highest score. If there is a few points difference between the teams at the end of the game, both teams are given an additional ball to try and get one more point. This continues until there is a winner.
The rules of boccia differentiate depending on the number of players, and where they are playing. The more players there are, the fewer balls each member has to use. Additionally, in team games, there may be a reserve player on the sidelines that can be swapped out with one of the current players for various reasons.
Betting on Boccia
Like all games associated with the Olympics or Paralympics, boccia has a strong betting industry. Bookmakers maintain online sites where bettors from around the world can sign up and bet on the individuals or teams of their choice. The competitive nature of boccia makes it an exciting game to bet on, as it is difficult to tell how the game will end. Paralympic boccia betting is quickly becoming a staple of any online bookmaker’s roster.