Sports betting has been around for centuries and has become a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. With the rise of online sportsbooks and mobile apps, it’s easier than ever for sports fans to place bets on their favorite teams and athletes. But what are the most popular sports to bet on? In this article, we’ll explore the top sports that attract the most bets and why they are so popular.
- Football (Soccer) Football is by far the most popular sport to bet on worldwide. In fact, it’s estimated that over 70% of all sports bets are placed on football matches. The popularity of football betting can be attributed to the sport’s massive following, with millions of fans tuning in to watch matches every week. Major football leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga draw in huge betting volumes, with fans wagering on everything from match outcomes to player statistics.
- American Football In the United States, American Football (often simply referred to as “football”) is king, and it’s also a popular sport for betting. The National Football League (NFL) is the most-watched sports league in the country and attracts millions of viewers each year. Fans bet on everything from the Super Bowl winner to individual player performances and prop bets.
- Basketball Basketball is another hugely popular sport for betting, particularly in the United States. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most-watched sports leagues in the world, and fans can place bets on everything from game outcomes to player performance. The sport’s popularity in Asia has also contributed to the growth of basketball betting.
- Horse Racing Horse racing has been a popular sport for betting for centuries, with fans around the world tuning in to watch major races like the Kentucky Derby, the Grand National, and the Melbourne Cup. Horse racing betting can be complex, with a variety of different bet types and handicapping strategies available.
- Tennis Tennis is a popular individual sport that attracts a lot of betting interest, particularly during major tournaments like Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Fans can bet on everything from match outcomes to player statistics, and the growth of in-play betting has made tennis betting even more dynamic.
- Boxing/MMA Combat sports like boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) have always been popular among sports bettors. Fans can place bets on everything from the winner of a bout to the method of victory and even the round in which the fight will end.
- Baseball Baseball is a popular sport for betting in the United States, particularly during the Major League Baseball (MLB) season. Fans can bet on everything from individual game outcomes to player performance, and the sport’s popularity in Asia has also contributed to the growth of baseball betting.
- Ice Hockey Ice hockey is a popular sport for betting in Canada and Europe, with fans placing wagers on everything from game outcomes to individual player performance. The National Hockey League (NHL) is the top professional league for the sport, and the Stanley Cup playoffs attract a lot of betting interest.
- Golf Golf is a popular individual sport that attracts a lot of betting interest, particularly during major tournaments like the Masters and the U.S. Open. Fans can bet on everything from tournament winners to individual hole outcomes and the performance of individual players.
- Esports Esports, or competitive video gaming, has exploded in popularity in recent years and has become a popular sport for betting. Fans can bet on everything from individual matches to major tournaments like the League of Legends World Championship and The International for Dota 2.
