Sports and betting have always had a lot in common. A combination of the thrill of competition and the potential profit that follows alongside while staking on your favorite team to win is pretty exciting. And no, it’s not just about football or basketball games—although those are great betting options too.
One overlooked yet exciting option for bettors is electronic sports. With fewer games to keep track of, esports like League of Legends have a smaller margin of error and they help bettors make informed decisions. But ultimately, which sport reigns supreme when it comes to betting?
Expert editor and writer, Evelyn Balyton draws on her years of experience working with leading bookmakers to curate a list of the best sports to wager on. That said, find the sport that’d enhance your betting experience from the recommended options below.
Best Sports that you can Bet on in 2024
Are you looking to offer bettors a new way to win big in the world of sports? Or perhaps you’re searching for the best games per season that are profitable to bet on? Comparing different sports can tricky, especially if you’re new to the world of sports betting. But if you’re looking for a new sport to bet on, learn which sports offer the most exciting opportunities. From traditional sports like football and basketball to newer options like esports, this list will help you find the right sport.
Football
Football—or soccer, depending on where you’re from, tops our list of major sports to bet on, and it’s easy to see why.
While airing his views on sports betting and its connection to soccer, David Beckham once said, “Soccer is a game of skill, strategy, and passion, and betting on it adds an extra layer of excitement to the beautiful game.“
In Europe alone, the likes of La Liga, Premier League, and the Bundesliga attract a large numbers of bettors, generating nearly €7 billion in revenue in 2023.
Also, popular events such as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League make soccer betting a lot more in vogue. With live broadcasts and updates, anyone can follow the matches and place the best bets more easily. Regardless of your skill, you’ll find several betting opportunities and bet as you deem fit.
And, it’s not just soccer that’s scoring big in the sportsbook scene. College football, NHL, and other different sports are also drawing in the crowds, eager to gamble on their favorite teams and players.
Basketball
Basketball is one of the best sports with the highest number of bettors across countries. With several betting markets to choose from, there’s no limit to how many bets you can place per season. You can as well consider point spreads for more possibilities.
Luckily for you, there are many options to choose from, ranging from NBA betting to betting on college basketball. Sports bettors are invited to wager all year round with multiple events on the calendar like the NCAA March Madness and the different NBA tournaments.
American Football
Betting on football is a major obsession among US sport lovers. Like basketball, the game’s got millions of fans and bettors cheering on their teams. And when the Super Bowl comes around, it’s like a big party.
But what makes people bet on American football? For one, the game is full of clever tricks and rivalries that go back years. And if you’re a first timer, you can almost mistake the halftime shows for mini-concerts. Betting on college football offers some level of nolstagia to people while also helping them build a bond with the teams from their alma mater.
Cricket
In countries like India and Australia, cricket is more than just a game. It is a dream come true, particularly for bettors.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) and international matches offer several opportunities for enthusiasts. And in Australia, where cricket is a national obsession, events like The Ashes and the Big Bash League are betting goldmines.
What’s most intriguing is the unpredictability of each match and the shocking rise of underdogs. With so many markets to explore, cricket betting is a rollercoaster ride of excitement.
Baseball
MLB is a great choice of sports for bettors who want to use data to their advantage. There are so many stats available, so you can make informed bets and gain an edge over sportsbooks. For example, you can look at a pitcher’s WHIP to see how well they prevent runners from reaching base.
You can also check a player’s WAR to see how much they contribute to their team’s wins. With 162 games per season featuring 30 teams, you have plenty of chances to bet early and find profitable bets. This makes it easier to find value and make smart betting decisions
Horse Racing
Horse racing is another popular betting sport among bettors worldwide. With tons of betting markets from Allowance races to Stake Flat racing, and even Trifecta or Derby bets, you can really put your luck to the test. And then there are the mega-events like Royal Ascot and Grand National.
Tennis
Thanks to a packed calendar of matches all year round, you can place bets frequently on tennis and make the most of the seasons. The betting options are as varied as the spins on a tennis ball.
What’s more, the Grand Slams are the pièce de résistance for bettors. The Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open, and French Open serve up the most mouth-watering opportunities for tennis betting.
Golf
With its easy-to-learn basics and flexible playstyle, golf is another popular sport among bettors worldwide. Though its allure extends far beyond the course, as superstar Tiger Woods reveals, ‘I think it’s easier for me to prepare for a major championship than to prepare for a regular tournament.‘
While the popularity of golf soars, pro tournaments are getting more attention, and with that, a surge in betting action. It’s a hole-in-one for the betting market and golf’s fan base growing by the day
Esports
Though some countries are still getting up to speed, this digital sport is gradually taking over the betting space. The best part? Anyone can play, compete, and even win big. No need to be a pro athlete or have any special skills, just a passion for gaming is enough.
Sports channels now broadcast esports tournaments, and this makes it easier than ever to get in on the action. Not all betting sites have jumped on the trend yet, but the ones that have are offering some wild odds. Bookmakers are still figuring out the pro leagues and event outcomes, so if you’re in the know, you can score some seriously sweet deals.
Best Sports Betting Tips: How to Bet on the Moneyline
A moneyline bet is simply a prediction of which team will win the game outright. Before you start wagering and winning good money, here are some top tips to keep in mind:
- Check the teams’ recent form: How have they performed in the last few games?
- Look at head-to-head matchups: How have they fared against their opponents in the past?
- Keep an eye on key injuries and substitutions: Will they impact the game?
- Shop for enhanced odds: Often the best prices available, and usually a good value.
- Build an accumulator bet (ACCA): Construct a multiple-selection bet for a potentially big return.
Finding Value in Online Sportsbooks for Your Next Sports Bet, from Mainstream to Niche Sports
When it comes to online sports betting, bookmakers do everything to end up with a win. They give us the numbers, and for some unclear reasons, we believe we’re in for a good time. But the reverse is the case.
Take betting in horse racing, for example. Let’s say a bookmaker gives a horse like Teaforthree an 11.11% chance of winning the Grand National. Sounds reasonable, right? But here’s the trick: bookmakers aren’t in the business of being charitable. They tweak the odds to ensure they come out on top. Then, they leave us with reduced rates that give them an edge.
Bookmakers may turn out a little tricky, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come out on top. In fact, some sports are hugely popular among bettors precisely because they offer plenty of betting opportunities. Games like the World League allow teams to provide a constant stream of action and excitement. And with constantly shifting betting lines, there’s always a chance to make a profit if you’re savvy enough.
Image source – MightyTips
