As of mid-2023, basketball has emerged as the most popular sport to bet on in the United States, followed closely by soccer and American football. Basketball’s global influence is challenging the domestic dominance of American football in the betting landscape.
Which is the most popular sport to be on in 2024?
Short Answer: The NFL.
Long Answer: Basketball is debatably now the most popular in late-2023 – 2024. But the NFL remains a staple of any American sports betting conversation.
The Unchallenged Reign of the NFL
In the pantheon of American sports betting, the National Football League (NFL) sits right at the top. The figures speak volumes: in October 2022 alone, a staggering 81% of mobile gamblers placed bets on NFL games. This isn’t a mere anomaly; it’s a consistent trend that sees the NFL not just leading but dominating the betting space.
Why the NFL, you might ask? It’s a combination of the sport’s ingrained place in American culture and the nature of the game itself. Football games, especially in the NFL, are events—each one a saga that unfolds weekly. The narrative-rich nature of the league, with its heroes and villains, upsets and comebacks, lends itself to a betting narrative just as compelling as the games.
The Generational Bet
The allure of the NFL transcends generations. Among Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, the percentage of those who bet on the NFL last month were 69%, 82%, and 84%, respectively. This across-the-board appeal is remarkable, and it’s what makes the NFL a powerhouse in sports betting. The excitement is not just limited to watching but is significantly amplified by the prospect of betting on the outcomes, with 67% of 18+ individuals betting on games going down to the final plays, finding it more exciting.
Basketball: A Close Contender
Hot on the heels of the NFL is basketball, with the NBA commanding a robust 54% betting interest among mobile gamblers. The sport’s fast-paced action and global superstar athletes make it a magnet for bettors looking for dynamic play and rapid results. This enthusiasm is reflected in the frequency of mobile betting, where 50% of NBA fans engage in betting weekly.
Basketball’s popularity in betting also benefits from its global footprint. Unlike American football, which is largely a domestic phenomenon, basketball has a worldwide following, and the NBA has successfully marketed itself as a global brand. This international appeal has undoubtedly contributed to its prominence in the betting markets.
Baseball and Beyond
The MLB isn’t far behind, with 44% of mobile gamblers betting on baseball. The sport, steeped in tradition and American history, may not have the constant motion of basketball or the weekly spectacle of football, but it has its own charm. The strategic depth of baseball lends itself to a variety of betting possibilities, from simple win-loss bets to the more complex prop bets.
College football, soccer, and the NHL hover around the 20-34% mark, indicating a healthy interest but not quite at the level of the professional leagues. The diversity of sports preferences among bettors showcases the rich tapestry of American sports culture.
The Peaks and Valleys of Sports Betting
The betting landscape isn’t flat; it’s marked by peaks and valleys corresponding to sports seasons. The monthly total wagered on online sportsbooks sees spikes during the NFL postseason and the NFL regular season, with considerable activity during NCAA March Madness. This seasonal nature of sports betting is crucial for understanding the ebb and flow of the market.
Casual Bettors vs. Enthusiasts
What’s particularly interesting about the NFL is the higher level of fans who bet infrequently. This suggests that casual gamblers—those who might not consider themselves regular bettors—are drawn to the big games and events. The NFL’s ability to attract these casual bettors is a testament to its place in American culture.
Which was the most popular sport in mid-2023?
As of July 2023, according to Statista, basketball leads as the most preferred sport to bet on in the United States, followed closely by soccer and American football. This preference hierarchy could be indicative of the shifting landscapes, where the global influence of basketball and soccer starts to challenge the domestic dominance of American football.
Final Thoughts
From the thunderous stadiums of the NFL to the electrifying arenas of the NBA, the sports betting landscape in America (and the UK) is a dynamic and ever-evolving world. The statistics reflect a nation with a fervent passion for sports, a penchant for gambling, and a cultural inclination towards the spectacle of competition.
As a seasoned bettor, I can attest to the allure of placing a wager on your favorite team or predicting the outcome of a hotly-contested match. It’s not just about the money—it’s about being part of the game, experiencing the highs and lows, and embracing the unpredictability of sports. Betting has become a ritualistic aspect of sports fandom, an extra layer of engagement in the grand theater of competition.
The future of sports betting in America is bright, with the potential for new sports to rise in betting popularity and technological advancements making the process more accessible. As we move forward, one thing is certain—the love for sports and the thrill of the bet are here to stay.
Sources
- Statista: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1187252/sports-americans-would-bet-on/
- Variety: https://variety.com/2023/sports/tech/the-nfl-is-the-most-popular-sport-to-bet-on-2022-1235467587/
Author Profile
James is the founder and CEO of Free Bet and a former FTSE100 AI Director. He has years of experience in building and deploying complex AI models for products like the advanced AI sports betting algorithm used in Free Bet and is an experienced bettor since 2008.
