As players’ tastes vary from market to market, bookmakers around the world have a vested interest in knowing what their users like to bet on. The specialists at Slotegrator , a developer of solutions for the gaming business with 10 years of experience in the gaming industry, have detailed information for sports betting operators.
Why are some sports more popular to bet on than others?
Here are some simple answers:
- Bettors tend to bet on sports they are familiar with (“conscious betting”).
- Many sports are more popular in some regions than others.
- Interest in betting on a sport often correlates with a country’s performance in international competition.
Popular sports to bet on in Asia
The betting market in Asia has grown significantly in recent years. As in the rest of the world, traditional soccer is the most popular sport here, and the number of bettors who like to bet on soccer grows with each tournament or championship.
Basketball is also popular in the region, attracting viewers with its dynamic pace and high scores. In terms of betting volume, it is the second most popular sport in Asian countries.
Next on the list is what Asians are really famous for: table tennis. Table tennis is a great sport to bet on due to its simplicity – just pick the winner. Cricket is quite a spectacular and widespread game in Asia, especially in the Indian subcontinent.
Along with traditional sports, esports cannot be ignored. The esports industry is closely related to the traditional sports industry. Many basketball and soccer clubs have bought their own teams for games like DotA2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, etc. The most ambitious esports market has been occupied by Asians, who are famous for their serious attitude towards esports. Esports in Asia may soon become more popular than traditional sports.
Popular sports to bet on in the Americas
Sports betting has skyrocketed in the US after a federal law banning sports betting was repealed in 2018. American football tops the list of US sports bettors. Baseball, basketball and basketball are also widely bet on. , hockey, tennis and golf. Combat sports such as boxing and mixed martial arts are very popular, as are horse racing and traditional games such as darts.
In Latin American countries like Colombia and Brazil (which will soon see the implementation of their sports betting regulation), soccer reigns supreme, underpinned by a widespread cultural passion for the world’s most popular sport. Baseball and basketball are also popular, and Latin American gamblers also enjoy blood sports like cockfighting.
Popular sports to bet on in Africa
Traditional football is easily the most popular sport to bet on in Africa, but there are many other sports that captivate bettors from across the continent, such as rugby. The South African rugby team, known as the Springboks, have won the World Cup three times (1995, 2007, 2019). Sports betting sites operating in Africa offer bets on the annual Africa Cup organized by Rugby Africa; you can also bet on major international tournaments such as the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Cricket is extremely popular in South Africa, and the national team, known as the Proteas, is considered one of the best in the world. Although this sport is not as popular as football, punters are willing to bet on it, especially in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
South Africans also like to bet on horse racing. Each year, the horses compete in prestigious races such as the Summer Cup, Cape Metropolitan Stakes and the Durban July Handicap, with spectators participating in the races through wagering.
Popular sports to bet on in Europe
Gambling as a form of entertainment and a way to win some money is widespread throughout Europe. Bookmakers can be found in almost all European cities. In recent years, sports betting in Europe has followed global trends, which is why some non-European sports are offered.
The most popular game on the continent, like most of the world, is soccer. Many bookmakers provide bettors with the opportunity to bet on both the most famous football leagues and the leagues with low ratings. Basketball is the second sport with the most bets in Europe.
Along with soccer and basketball, tennis is common among Europeans. A large number of tournaments are held throughout the year: bettors can find interesting pairs to bet on.
The British are known throughout the world as fans of horse racing, which is also popular in other parts of Europe.
Martial arts in Europe are experiencing a renaissance, at least as far as the stakes are concerned. Europeans like to watch and bet on boxing matches and MMA matches.
Popular sports to bet on in Australia
There are few countries in the world where people are as passionate about sports as in Australia. The country is home to some of the best swimmers in the world, as well as rugby and cricket teams. Australians are also interested in more exclusive sports such as netball, field hockey, and Australian rules football. There are many national and international teams that punters regularly bet on.
Rugby remains one of the favorite sports in Australia. The National Rugby League (NRL) makes an annual profit from betting. One of Australia’s biggest betting and sporting events takes place annually in October: the NRL Grand Final.
Horse racing in Australia has a long and interesting history and is directly related to the gaming industry. According to experts, 76% of Australians bet on horse racing. Throughout the country, there are many provincial and metropolitan hockey clubs. Thanks to them, races in Australia are held daily, which provides new opportunities for players.
Cricket is considered the national sport in Australia. Cricket fever peaks in the summer, as does the betting season. Whether it’s local or international matches, Australians will never miss an opportunity to bet on cricket.
It’s hard to believe, but hockey is surprisingly popular with Australians, that is, field hockey. Tennis is no less common for betting in Australia: the season starts in January each year. There are other sports such as football, motorcycle racing, golf and Australian rules football that are also popular with Australian punters.
It can be said that for many viewers, regardless of their nationality, country or continent, watching sports is enough. But thanks to the gaming culture in many countries around the world, people are going sports crazy. For this reason, the online gambling industry is considered one of the most lucrative in the world. Another reason for the increased demand for digital betting is the COVID-19 pandemic, as many professional sports leagues and events have been suspended, traditional establishments have been closed to the public.
Every year, millions of people spend their money on gambling. As the world shifts from offline to online betting, it is safe to say that most countries are at the forefront of these changes. More and more entrepreneurs want to launch their own online betting platform.
