Football’s influence on the sports betting landscape is monumental. Each year, countless fans across the globe place bets on football, adding an extra layer of thrill to the game. This article delves into the staggering amounts of money wagered on football annually. Our exploration covers the impact of these bets on economies, cultures, and the sport itself. From local games to international tournaments, football betting is a display of fan passion and a significant economic force in the world of sports.
The Size of the Football Betting Market
Football, also known as soccer in some places, is a significant sport for gambling online. The global sports betting market was worth USD 83.65 billion in 2022. Football betting contributed a large part of this.
Online sportsbooks and sites have completely changed how fans bet. They now provide odds for everything, from local leagues to global tournaments. The rise in online sports betting is fuelled by more legal options in many places and the use of smartphones and digital platforms. Betting, especially in football, is now more accessible and enjoyable for millions.
Integrating online casinos into sports betting sites has also contributed to the increase in betting revenue. Betting companies are constantly developing new ways to bet on sports. As more countries see the economic potential of legal sports betting, the industry will keep growing. The increase in sports fans’ involvement in their favourite games shows a behaviour change. It also highlights the economic impact on the gambling industry worldwide.
Countries Where People Bet the Most on Football
Football brings together millions of people through passion and play. In different countries, people have different ways of betting on football. They are influenced by local rules, cultural preferences, and how popular the sport is. Let’s look at some countries where football betting is widespread. We’ll study their unique characteristics and market sizes.
UK
The UK is a significant player in the European betting market, holding a 23% share in 2021. The UK betting industry stayed strong during the COVID-19 pandemic despite a 17% drop in market value. Betting on virtual events reached its highest point. Football is top-rated for betting in the UK. Between April 2021 and March 2022, off-course betting on football had a turnover of £1.34 billion. Additionally, 21% of UK football fans reported that betting on their favorite teams enhanced their enjoyment of the sport.
USA
Betting on sports in the USA has grown significantly since the Supreme Court allowed it in 2018. Each state can make their own rules. As of 2023, 33 states have legalized betting on sports, with New Jersey and Nevada leading in revenue and the number of sportsbooks. In 2021, the US gambling market, including betting, was worth $9.5 billion. It is predicted to make $7.62 billion in revenue by 2023. The growth is because of technology, digitalization, and increased handheld devices. These things have made betting more accessible and attractive for gamblers.
Spain
Spain has a significant market size for betting on sports, estimated at $1.7 billion. About 38.7% of Spaniards enjoy betting, especially in-play betting.
Brazil
Brazil’s betting market, predominantly soccer-focused, is valued at $2.7 billion. The Brazilian market now has many offshore betting websites because betting on sports is legal and regulated.
New Zealand
While less popular than rugby or cricket betting, the football betting market in New Zealand is growing online. Sports betting in New Zealand has become more accessible and convenient due to online platforms. Because online betting is unclear in New Zealand’s laws, more Kiwis are using offshore casinos. Technological advancements and changing consumer preferences are driving this trend. People are becoming more interested in both esports betting and traditional sports.
Australia
Australia’s online gambling market was valued at US$ 4.5 billion in 2022. The market is forecasted to grow to US$ 7.2 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 7.09% from 2023 to 2028. The growth is primarily because of high-speed internet, VR and AI technology, and smartphones and tablets. Sports betting is popular in Australia because the country loves sports, especially football.
Canada
The Canadian sports betting market has seen substantial growth in recent years. As of current data, the market is expected to generate over $12 billion, a significant jump from the estimated $7 billion in 2020. According to the Canadian government, betting on sports could cost between $2 billion and $8 billion annually. The national treasury could earn up to $700 million in profits.
The country boasts various football leagues, creating numerous opportunities for enthusiasts to bet on soccer in Canada. Soccer is the most popular sport for betting, with 81% of bets placed on it. This is much higher than other sports, such as basketball.
The most popular championships for betting
Football betting has many prestigious leagues that offer unique opportunities for bettors. The English Premier League (EPL) is one of the most popular championships for betting. It stands out because of its high-profile matches and global fanbase. The UEFA Champions League is a popular tournament in Europe with top clubs. It gets a lot of bets because it’s competitive and appeals to people worldwide. Spain’s La Liga, with its technical style of play and star-studded teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid, is another hotspot for bettors. Betting is popular in Italy’s Serie A and Germany’s Bundesliga, which are known for their football heritage and passionate fans.
English Premier League (EPL)
The English Premier League (EPL) is a premier destination for football betting. Known for its global competitiveness, the EPL was established in 1992 from the old first-division tournament. It includes 20 English teams, with the top four qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. The EPL is renowned for its exciting matches, featuring top clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham.
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League represents the pinnacle of European club football and is a major attraction for sports bettors. It features 32 of the best clubs in European soccer competing in a prestigious tournament.
La Liga
La Liga, the Spanish soccer league, is very popular for betting. La Liga is a hotspot for bettors, home to the famous El Clasico rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. It features some of the world’s most successful clubs, including Real Madrid, one of the most popular football clubs globally.
Serie A
Serie A, Italy’s top football league, is a hub of football betting activity. Bettors like the league because it has strong clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. The matches are competitive and offer good betting opportunities.
Bundesliga
The Bundesliga in Germany is a famous football league fans and bettors love. The league showcases clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, known for their attacking prowess.
Bottom Line
Football is a significant player in sports betting, with millions of fans wagering on the game annually. The global sports betting market was worth $83.65 billion in 2022. Internet sportsbooks have revolutionized football betting, offering odds for local and international matches. Betting is popular in countries including the UK, the USA, Spain, Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Apart from this, The English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga are famous championships for betting.
