This game evolved in the Spanish-Basque region in the 17th century. The ball used in this game sometimes reaches speeds of 150 miles per hour, and people bet on the outcomes of the games. It is sometimes called pelota, but more commonly known as what?

The name of this sport translates from the Basque language to "merry festival," a fitting title for a game that originated as a holiday celebration in 17th-century Spain. It is a variety of pelota, the Spanish word for ball, and is played on a three-walled court called a fronton. Competitors use a long, curved wicker basket known as a cesta, strapped to their arm, to catch and hurl the hard rubber ball against the wall in a single fluid motion.

What truly distinguishes the game is its incredible velocity. The pelota can reach speeds of over 150 miles per hour, earning it a reputation as the world's fastest ball sport. This high-speed, high-risk action requires immense skill and timing, and it made the game an incredibly popular spectator sport for wagering. For decades, particularly in Florida and parts of Latin America, its frontons were major hubs for pari-mutuel betting, where audiences would bet on the outcomes of the fast-paced matches.