Betting on All Things Happy Gilmore 2

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the mini-golf course, the master of the hockey-stick-putter is making his triumphant return. Nearly three decades after he tapped, tapped, tapped his way into our hearts and took down Shooter McGavin for the Tour Championship, Adam Sandler is officially reprising his role as the hot-tempered hero in Happy Gilmore 2. Netflix has greenlit the sequel, confirming a July 25 release date, sending a shockwave of nostalgic excitement across the internet.
The original 1996 film wasn’t just a movie; it became a cultural touchstone, a source of endlessly quotable lines, and the reason countless golfers have attempted the calamitous run-up swing. With Sandler and original writer Tim Herlihy penning the script, and a host of familiar faces and shocking new additions confirmed, the sequel is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated comedy events of the decade. This renewed buzz presents a golden opportunity not just for fans, but for the speculative world of entertainment betting. From on-screen rivalries to a truly staggering list of cameos, let’s open the book on the most enticing wagers for Happy Gilmore 2.
The Main Event: Shooter vs. Happy, One More Time?
The central conflict of the original film was the classic underdog story of Happy versus the smarmy, gold-jacket-obsessed Shooter McGavin. Christopher McDonald is confirmed to be reprising his iconic role as the villainous Shooter, and he’s been enthusiastically promoting the sequel, promising that he and Sandler have “outdone themselves.” This immediately sets up the primary betting line: the nature of their renewed rivalry.
Odds on the State of Shooter McGavin:
- Still a Bitter Pro Golfer: The safest bet. It’s highly likely that Shooter never got over his humiliating loss and has been stewing for 30 years, ready for a rematch on the senior tour.
- Disgraced and Seeking Revenge: A more dramatic, and therefore very plausible, storyline would see Shooter having lost everything, now working a menial job and seeing Happy’s return as his one chance to reclaim glory.
- A Reformed Ally: In a classic comedy twist, what if Shooter has found peace? Perhaps he’s now a golf guru who, reluctantly, ends up helping Happy get his groove back. It’s a long shot but would be a clever subversion of expectations.
The core plot revolves around Happy returning to golf to pay for his daughter’s expensive ballet school tuition. This financial need will likely pit him against a new antagonist, but the smart money is on Shooter pulling the strings from behind the scenes, ensuring the old rivalry takes center stage for the film’s climax.
The Cameo Sweepstakes: A Field More Crowded Than the 18th Hole
If there’s one area where Happy Gilmore 2 is going all-in, it’s the cameos. The list of confirmed appearances is nothing short of breathtaking, creating a spectacular field for prop bets.
Confirmed Cameos Include:
- Music Superstars: Eminem, Post Malone, Bad Bunny, and Cam’ron.
- Sports Legends: Travis Kelce, Reggie Bush, and a murderer’s row of pro golfers including John Daly, Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Paige Spiranac.
- Comedy and Acting Peers: Ben Stiller returns as the sadistic orderly Hal L., alongside newcomers like Benny Safdie and Nick Swardson.
This opens up a universe of betting possibilities:
- Over/Under on Total Pro Golfer Appearances
- Most Memorable Cameo
- First Pro Golfer to Appear On-Screen
Prop Bets from the Pro Shop: The Devil’s in the Details
Beyond the main players, the real fun lies in the specific, quirky prop bets that call back to the original’s most iconic moments.
- The Bob Barker Tribute – Will Drew Carey Fight Happy?: The brawl between Happy and the late, great Bob Barker is legendary. Sandler has expressed a desire to include current The Price is Right host Drew Carey in the sequel as a tribute. A physical altercation seems almost too perfect to pass up. A simple, respectful cameo is more likely, but never count out Sandler’s commitment to a bit.
- Over/Under 1.5 Broken Clubs: Happy’s temper is his trademark. While the plot suggests an older, perhaps slightly more mature Gilmore, it’s a near certainty he’ll snap at least one club over his knee. The real question is whether he can keep it to just one.
- Will Happy Still Wear the Bruins Jersey?: This is the safest bet on the board. The Boston Bruins jersey is as much a part of the character as his slap shot. Photos from the set have all but confirmed its return.
- What is Happy’s New “Happy Place”? The original featured a whimsical fantasy of his own personal heaven. Thirty years later, his happy place has likely evolved.
- Odds-on Favorite: A peaceful vision of his daughter succeeding at ballet.
- Nostalgic Pick: A replay of his original “Happy Place,” but now with his family there.
- Longshot: A bizarre, star-studded vision featuring the likes of Bad Bunny and Post Malone.
Family and Critical Affairs: The Netflix Effect
The sequel will also introduce us to Happy’s daughter, Vienna, played by Sunny Sandler. The dynamic between Happy and his family, including the returning Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen), will be central to the story. Bowen herself joked that she thought she’d be replaced by a younger actress like Sydney Sweeney, but her confirmed return suggests she and Happy are likely still together.
This leads to a different kind of wager: the film’s reception. Since Happy Gilmore 2 is a Netflix release, there will be no box office numbers to track. Instead, the metrics are viewership and critical acclaim.
Rotten Tomatoes Score – Over/Under 65% “Fresh”: Adam Sandler’s Netflix films have had a mixed critical reception. However, the deep nostalgia and goodwill for Happy Gilmore, combined with Christopher McDonald’s claim that they’ve “outdone themselves,” could push this sequel into “Certified Fresh” territory.
Will it be Netflix’s #1 Movie Globally in its Opening Weekend? Given the massive brand recognition and nearly 30 years of fan anticipation, it’s hard to imagine anything else topping the charts that week.
Ultimately, the return of Happy Gilmore is a cause for celebration for comedy fans. The confirmation of so many beloved characters, combined with an injection of new and exciting talent, promises a sequel that aims to honor the legacy of the original while creating new, hilarious moments. Grab your putter, find your happy place, and get ready to go back to the green. The price, it seems, is going to be very right.