Sports betting has become one of the most prominent forms of entertainment worldwide, thanks to its accessibility and the thrill of wagering on live-action events. From iconic championships to weekly league matches, bettors have endless opportunities to place their wagers. Here’s a deep dive into the most popular sports to bet on globally in 2024 and what makes them so appealing.
Soccer (Football)
As the most popular sport in the world, it’s no surprise that soccer is also the most bet-on sport globally. With billions of fans spanning every continent, the sheer volume of matches, leagues, and tournaments provides unparalleled betting opportunities. Key events like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and English Premier League (EPL) drive a massive betting handle annually.
Bettors can wager on traditional outcomes like the match-winner or delve into prop bets such as the number of corners, goalscorers, or even in-play events like the next team to score. The accessibility of soccer year-round also plays a role. From the MLS in the United States to smaller tournaments in South America and Asia, there’s always action to bet on.
Basketball
Basketball is another favourite among bettors from across the globe, with the NBA leading the way as the world’s premier league. The league’s long season, from October to June, ensures a steady flow of betting opportunities. International tournaments like the FIBA World Cup and leagues such as EuroLeague further boost basketball’s appeal.
What sets basketball apart is its fast-paced nature, which lends itself well to dynamic in-play betting. Popular markets include point spreads, total points (over/under), player props, and quarter-by-quarter betting. Bettors also flock to marquee events like the NBA Finals and March Madness, the latter being one of the most exciting periods for sports bettors in North America.
Tennis
Much like soccer, Tennis stands out as a sport with year-round action, thanks to its global ATP and WTA tours. Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open are peak betting periods, drawing millions of wagers from fans worldwide.
The individual nature of the sport allows bettors to focus on specific players and their performance trends. Popular markets include match winners, set scores, and even niche bets like the total number of aces served. Tennis is also heavily favoured by live bettors because of its frequent momentum shifts, with opportunities to wager after every game or set.
American Football
While American football is primarily popular in the United States, its betting influence extends worldwide. The NFL and NCAA college football dominate the landscape, with the Super Bowl being the single biggest sports betting event annually. The diversity of bets available during NFL games makes it a bettor’s paradise. From moneylines and point spreads to props like the length of the national anthem at the Super Bowl, the options are nearly endless.
College football adds another layer of excitement, especially during the playoffs, when every game matters. Betting markets for American football are intricate, allowing for player props, team props, and even season-long futures bets on awards like the MVP or Heisman.
Horse Racing
A staple of sports betting for centuries, horse racing remains a dominant force in the gambling world. The sport’s enduring appeal lies in its combination of tradition, excitement, and quick outcomes. Iconic events like the Kentucky Derby in the United States, the Grand National in the UK, and the Melbourne Cup in Australia attract millions of bettors annually.
Modern technology has also played a role in horse racing’s continued popularity. For example, many new betting sites UK have embraced virtual racing, a simulated form of horse racing that allows bettors to place wagers on digitally generated events between live races. Horse racing also takes place throughout the year, with daily races providing frequent opportunities to bet.
Final Thoughts
Sports betting has become more than just a pastime—it’s a global industry driven by fan passion and technological advancements.
From the global stage of soccer to the great tradition of horse racing, there’s no shortage of thrills in the world of sports betting. And as trends like streaming and mobile betting continue to grow, the future looks more vibrant than ever.
