How to Bet on Dancing with the Stars: Judge vs. Viewer Votes

Dancing with the Stars is a popular reality TV competition show that pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers. Each week the couples perform and are scored by a panel of judges. Viewers can also vote for their favorite couples. This creates an interesting dynamic when betting on who will be eliminated each week.

Should bettors rely more on the judges’ scores or the viewers’ votes when placing wagers? Here is a guide to betting on Dancing with the Stars based on weighing judge vs. viewer input.

Judge Scores

The three Dancing with the Stars judges heavily influence who stays and who goes each week. Their scores account for half of the total points awarded to each couple. The judges score performances based on technical skill, timing, footwork, posture, and other dance criteria. They tend to favor trained dancers over novices.

When betting, check the judges’ leaderboard after each episode airs. Couples at the bottom are most at risk of being eliminated. However, viewer votes can sometimes overrule low judge scores.

Viewer Votes

Viewers participate by phone, text, and online voting for their favorite couples. This public vote makes up the other half of each couple’s total score. Viewers often vote based on their personal preferences and loyalties rather than dance talent.

Fan favorites with large public followings often survive despite low judge scores. For example, past contestants like Bobby Bones, Bill Engvall, and Bristol Palin stuck around longer than their dance skills merited based on viewer support alone.

When placing bets, research each star’s existing fanbase and social media popularity. Take viewer votes heavily into account for celebrities with devoted followers like actors, musicians, and reality stars. Judge scores hold more weight for lesser-known contestants.

Weighing Judge vs. Viewer Input

To predict eliminations, analyze the judges’ scores and factor in viewer preferences to gauge public voting impact. Couples with both low judges’ scores and smaller fanbases are prime targets for elimination bets. Those with high judges’ marks and/or strong viewer support are safer, though not guaranteed safe.

Track voting trends over the season to see if the judges and the public diverge in their opinions. When they align, it’s easier to predict ousters based on low scores alone. But when they clash it becomes harder to forecast eliminations weeks in advance.

Read entertainment news and monitor social media to get insight into voting drives led by celebrities to boost fan turnout. This could make viewer votes outweigh judge scores in some cases.

In general, bettors who can balance judge critiques with voter preferences will have an advantage when wagering on Dancing with the Stars eliminations each week. Consider both factors but emphasize public voting power for celebs with loyal followers.

Key Factors to Consider

Here are some additional key factors to take into account when betting on Dancing with the Stars:

• Injury – Contestants who suffer injuries during the season often see their scores drop, jeopardizing their chances.
• Improvement Arc – Viewers root for underdogs who start weak but steadily improve. This can sway votes.
• Personality – Warm, likable contestants tend to get more viewer support, even if they’re not the best dancers.
• Controversies – Scandals and controversies surrounding a celeb or their partner can impact voting.
• Dance Style – Complex styles like tango and jive challenge novices more than simpler ones like foxtrot.
• Dance Order – Couples dancing later in the show often have an advantage with viewers.
• Creative Content – Well-conceptualized routines, costumes, and music boost engagement.
• Fatigue – Stamina is tested with multiple dances a week. Those who tire can stumble.
• Momentum – Early leaders set a high bar. Consistent quality keeps them on top.

Dancing with the Stars Controversies that Impacted Voting

Bristol Palin’s casting in Season 11 caused controversy due to her political connections. However, this likely rallied her conservative fanbase and helped her advance further than her dance skills merited.

In Season 21, Bindi Irwin was unfairly criticized for breaking an unwritten rule against paying tribute to family who have passed. But the resulting backlash boosted votes for Irwin.

Tonya Harding’s participation in the first Athletes season ruffled feathers due to her skating scandal. But viewers focused more on her underdog story.

Marie Osmond reached the finals in Season 5 despite average scores, likely aided by a voting crusade from her massive fanbase.

Controversies that fire up a contestant’s fanbase or the public’s sympathy tend to drive higher viewer turnout and votes, outweighing the judges’ scores. Mastering these dynamics is key to betting successfully on DWTS.

By considering all these dynamics between judges and viewers, you can make informed DWTS bets.