Sports betting is an activity that has been around for centuries. Yet, it has evolved over time to include a wide range of sports and betting options.
The exciting world of sports betting captivates enthusiasts from all corners of the globe as they eagerly back their favourite teams and players. Each victory brings an adrenaline rush, while the satisfaction of making accurate predictions is unparalleled.
For some individuals, sports betting serves as a casual pastime — a way to add extra spice to their sports viewing experience. For others, it becomes a serious endeavour, where they invest time and effort in researching teams, analysing odds, and developing strategies to maximise their winnings.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive deep into the realm of sports betting, examining the top ten most popular sports for wagering enthusiasts. We’ll also explore what makes these sports so attractive to bettors worldwide and how each sport offers unique opportunities for those looking to test their predictive skills.
Popular Sports in the UK to Bet On
The UK is a nation of sports enthusiasts, and there are many beloved sports that people love to bet on. Here are four of the most popular:
Football (Soccer)
Football, or soccer as it’s known in North America, reigns supreme when it comes to sports betting. With billions of fans around the globe, it’s no wonder that football attracts the highest volume of wagers across various leagues and competitions.
The Premier League is the top-flight football league in the UK and attracts millions of viewers each season. Many people enjoy placing bets on Premier League matches, from simple win bets to more complex bets like accumulators and handicaps.
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest soccer event in the world, and many people enjoy placing bets on the outcome of the tournament. Still, given there are countless other competitions like the UEFA Champions League, there’s no shortage of other opportunities for bettors to try their luck.
Betting on football offers a plethora of options, including match result bets, correct score predictions, and even player-specific wagers like goal scorers.
Horse Racing
Horse racing has been synonymous with gambling for centuries. With its roots in ancient civilisations like Greece, Rome, and Egypt, it remains a popular sport for bettors worldwide.
Horse racing is one of the oldest and most popular sports to bet on in the UK. The most famous horse race in the UK is the Grand National, which takes place annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.
On the other hand, the prestigious Triple Crown races in the United States — The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes — see millions of dollars wagered each year. The same goes for events such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Apart from these marquee events, horse racing enthusiasts have ample opportunities to indulge in daily betting on racetracks around the world. Bettors can choose from win bets (picking the winner), place bets (predicting which horses will finish in the top two or three), and exotic bets like exactas and trifectas, which involve predicting the finishing order of multiple horses.
Cricket
Cricket is the beloved sport that has captured the hearts and minds of Brits for centuries. It is especially popular in India, Pakistan, Australia, and the UK. The sport offers a wide range of betting options, from simple win bets to more complex bets like top batsman and top bowler.
So what is it about cricket that makes it so irresistible to punters? For starters, there’s an undeniable charm to its slower pace.
Unlike other high-octane sports, cricket offers ample breathing room for strategy and analysis. This factor makes it a veritable playground for seasoned bettors who revel in crunching numbers and identifying patterns.
From test matches that stretch over five gruelling days to lightning-fast T20 games packed with fireworks, there’s no shortage of variety in this splendid sport. And with each format comes a myriad of betting options, catering to both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts alike.
Fancy a flutter on the top run-scorer? How about predicting which bowler will bag the most wickets? Or maybe you’d like to hedge your bets on the outcome of a riveting super over? The possibilities are endless!
Rugby
Rugby is another popular sport to bet on in the UK, with the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup being major events in the sporting calendar. It is a sport steeped in tradition and camaraderie that enjoys a fervent following in countries such as England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Both rugby union and rugby league formats have captivated fans and bettors alike with their blend of physicality, skill, and strategic gameplay.
With rugby’s vast fan base comes a diverse range of betting opportunities that cater to punters of all levels. Traditional moneyline bets on match winners remain a staple for those who prefer straightforward wagers.
However, for those looking to add some extra excitement to their rugby betting experience, point spreads (or handicap betting) provide an intriguing alternative. This form of wagering levels the playing field between unevenly matched teams by assigning point advantages or disadvantages to each side.
Ultimately, rugby betting offers a wide range of options for fans who wish to engage more deeply with this beloved sport. From simple match-winner bets to intricate player-specific wagers, there is something for every rugby enthusiast looking to test their predictive skills and enjoy the thrill of sports betting.
Popular Sports to Bet On in the USA
Sports betting is becoming increasingly popular in the USA, with many states now legalising the activity. Here are three of the most popular sports to bet on in the USA:
Basketball
Basketball is a popular sport to bet on in the USA. Recently, basketball betting has soared in popularity, thanks primarily to the NBA’s global appeal. With a fanbase that spans continents, it’s no surprise that basketball features prominently among sports bettors.
Besides the NBA, other leagues like the EuroLeague and British Basketball League also draw significant betting interest.
Basketball wagers range from simple moneyline bets on game winners to more complex options like point spreads and over/under bets on total points scored. Prop bets based on individual player performances, such as points scored, or rebounds grabbed, are another enticing option for basketball bettors.
Baseball
Baseball is often dubbed “America’s pastime,” and its popularity has spread beyond US borders in recent years.
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most prominent baseball league globally, with a 162-game regular season that provides ample betting opportunities. Nonetheless, other international leagues, like Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and South Korea’s KBO League, also start to attract more bettors.
Surprisingly, baseball’s roots in the UK can be traced back to the 18th century, and the sport has been gaining momentum in recent years. Although still considered a niche pastime compared to football, rugby, or cricket, there is a growing fan base and an increasing number of local teams and leagues across the country.
The British Baseball Federation (BBF) is the national governing body for baseball in the UK, overseeing more than 70 teams across various leagues. These leagues range from youth divisions to the top-tier National Baseball League (NBL), featuring talented players from both home-grown backgrounds and international origins.
Baseball wagers typically include moneyline bets on game winners, run line spreads, and over/under bets on total runs scored. At the same time, prop bets centred around individual player performances, such as home runs hit or strikeouts thrown, give baseball bettors a chance to flex their expertise.
Hockey
Ice hockey is a game of speed, skill, and intensity, making it an exhilarating sport to watch and bet on. The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, with avid followers placing bets on their favourite teams throughout the season.
International tournaments like the IIHF World Championship and the Winter Olympics also generate significant betting interest. With excellent betting odds and sky-high renown, these tournaments offer a perfect opportunity to test one’s luck.
The thrill of ice hockey has captivated the United Kingdom for over a century, with the roots of the sport planted firmly at the beginning of the 1900s. From that moment on, the icy fervour spread across the nation, capturing the hearts and minds of sports enthusiasts far and wide.
As the sport continues to evolve and captivate new generations, one thing remains certain: the spirit of British ice hockey will forever burn bright, fueled by the passion and determination of its storied past.
Hockey bettors can choose from various wagering options, including moneyline bets on game winners, puck line spreads, and over/under bets on total goals scored. Prop bets focused on individual player performances, such as goals scored or saves made by a goaltender, offer additional opportunities for punters to showcase their hockey knowledge.
Popular Sports to Bet on Globally
Sports betting is a global activity, and there are many popular sports to bet on around the world. Here are three of the most popular:
Tennis
With its fast-paced action and intense one-on-one battles, tennis has garnered a massive following among sports bettors worldwide. The sport’s calendar is packed with numerous tournaments throughout the year, highlighted by the prestigious Grand Slam events — the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
These high-stakes competitions, along with various ATP and WTA Tour events, provide ample opportunities for bettors to test their skills and predictions.
When it comes to tennis betting, there’s no shortage of wagering options to choose from. The most common bet type involves predicting match winners, allowing bettors to back their favourite players or take a chance on an underdog.
In-play live betting has grown particularly popular in tennis circles due to the sport’s dynamic nature. As matches progress and momentum swings between players, odds constantly shift in real-time, offering exciting opportunities for bettors to react and adapt their wagers based on new developments. This form of betting adds another dimension of excitement to an already thrilling sport.
Boxing
Boxing has long been associated with gambling, as the sport’s one-on-one nature makes for exciting betting action. High-profile fights featuring top contenders draw significant attention from bettors worldwide. In recent years, the rise of MMA organisations like the UFC has also contributed to increased interest in combat sports betting.
Wagering on boxing generally involves predicting fight winners through moneyline bets or more specific wagers like the method of victory (KO, TKO, or decision).
Golf
While golf may not possess the breakneck speed of some other sports on this list, its steady rise in popularity among bettors is undeniable. The sport’s unique blend of strategy, skill, and mental fortitude has captured the interest of punters worldwide.
From prestigious major tournaments like The Masters, US Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship to weekly events hosted by the PGA and European Tours, golf provides an abundance of betting opportunities all year round.
A wave of enthusiasm for golf has swept across the United Kingdom, making it one of the most popular sports in the region. In fact, England holds the crown as the European country with the highest number of registered golf courses – a staggering 1,872 as of 2017.
Germany trails far behind in second place, boasting just 731 courses. Meanwhile, Scotland is home to 560 picturesque greens, Ireland boasts 405, and Wales proudly presents 145.
But it’s not just about the impressive number of courses; England also leads Europe when it comes to registered golf players. With approximately 656 thousand avid golfers teeing off on its fairways, England just narrowly edges out Germany’s dedicated base of around 645 thousand players.
Golf betting offers a diverse range of wagering options that cater to both casual bettors and seasoned experts. Predicting tournament winners is a popular choice, as it allows bettors to back their favourite players or take a chance on an underdog with potentially lucrative odds.
The Bottom Line
From soccer to American football and everything in between, these are just a few of the most popular sports to bet on. With this expanded list of sports to bet on, there’s no shortage of excitement for punters across the globe. Whether you’re drawn to the speed of hockey or the precision of golf, there’s a sport out there that will cater to your betting interests.
Thanks to a wide range of betting options and an ever-growing number of platforms to place wagers on, it’s never been easier for sports enthusiasts to turn their passion into profit. So, whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the game, consider trying your luck on one of these top sports and experience the thrill countless others enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Money Is Spent on Betting in the UK?
Sports betting is a multi-billion pound industry in the UK, with millions of people placing bets every year.
According to the UK Gambling Commission, the total gross gambling yield (GGY) of the UK gambling industry was £14.3 billion in 2019-2020, with sports betting accounting for a significant portion of the total GGY.
What Is the Biggest Win on Sports Betting in the UK?
The biggest win on sports betting in the UK was achieved by a man named Mick Gibbs in 2001. He placed a 30p accumulator bet on the outcome of 15 football matches, with all 15 results going in his favour. The odds of this happening were 1.6 million to 1, but Gibbs managed to win £500,000 from his 30p bet.
