Sports betting is now, undeniably, a global phenomenon, and it has for many years, captured the attention of sports fans across continents – from cricket connoisseurs in India to NFL lovers in the US and football fans in the UK. With all sorts of sports to choose from, it’s hard to pick out the top ones – however, there are certain ones that stand out as the favourites among bettors across the globe.
Here, we take a look at some of the most popular sports for betting worldwide – and look at exactly what their appeal is – and the betting dynamics that make them massive all over the world.
Football (Soccer) – The Undisputed Champion
There is no doubt that football (by that, just to clarify for the Americans, we mean soccer) reigns supreme as the unrivalled champion of sports betting across the world.
With its immense fan base and the plethora of leagues and tournaments that are popular from continent to continent, football offers year-round betting opportunities. Aside from the national leagues – with La Liga, Serie A and Premier League online bets attracting punters from all over, there are major events like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League that also draw lots of attention and attract a huge amount of bets. With the simplicity of popular markets, such as match outcomes and goal totals, as well as props bets on red cards and corners – and the chance to bet on each match live, its diversity contributes to its universal appeal – and makes football the undisputed leader in the world of sports betting.
Basketball – A Slam Dunk for Betting Lovers
Obviously, this is more popular in some countries than others – and isn’t quite as global as footie. In the UK, this isn’t the most popular sport, but in the US and certain European countries such as Germany, it’s definitely up there.
As such, basketball – particularly the NBA (National Basketball Association), holds a pretty solid position in the world of sports betting. The fast-paced nature of the game, coupled with its high-scoring format, means that there are all sorts of betting options. From point spreads to player props, basketball offers all different opportunities, perfect for both casual and even the more experienced bettors. The NBA Finals, along with other top basketball events worldwide, attract serious betting activity and contribute to the sport’s popularity in the world of gambling.
Horse Racing – Tradition Meets Betting
Horse racing is a sport embedded in tradition – and it transcends geographical boundaries, beloved of gamblers across the world. Legendary races such as the Grand National, Kentucky Derby, and Melbourne Cup… the race that stops the nation, captures the world’s attention and always attracts plenty of betting activity.
What’s more, the variety of bets – from straightforward win bets to the more complex exotic wagers, all add even more thrills to horse racing betting. The sport’s interesting history, along with the excitement of big events- and the glamour of heading to the racetrack, ensures that people will always be queueing up to bet on the gee gees.
Cricket – A Bat-and-Ball Spectacle
Cricket is popular across the world – in the UK, India, West Indies, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand… the list is endless. The sport’s different formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) competitions, mean that there are lots of different betting markets. Of course, the major tournaments, like the ICC Cricket World Cup alongside the popular domestic leagues all attract significant betting activity.
The strategic nature of the game means that there are always plenty of opportunities to try and win money – whether it is predicting match outcomes, betting on player performances, or even betting on specific events within a game.
Obviously there are plenty more to choose from – golf, tennis and more. What we love about sports betting is that there is something for everyone, each one offering its unique charm. From the thrill of the footie pitch to playing the long-game with cricket, the opportunities are endless.
