Watching sports is a huge part of the American pastime, but betting on sports even more so. Americans love to be entertained but what’s even better than that? Being entertained AND winning money.
Although many different sports are enjoyed across the U.S, there are a few that have the hearts of the people when it comes to sports betting. Let’s find out more.
Why are Some Sports Bet on More Than Others?
The more popular sports will get more punters betting on it, simply because it is well-known. If you know how the game works and who the players are, your bet will be more educated and so you will increase your chances of winning.
A sport that is generally extremely popular also counts. For example, the most universally viewed, supported and played game in the world is soccer, which is why it is number one in many sportsbooks.
But don’t think the lesser-known sports don’t get attention too. Rugby came from England, where there are roughly two million players that are registered. This is huge compared to the 150, 000 in the U.S. however, it is still considered a good sport to bet on. This probably has to do with the simplicity of the game compared to other American sports like baseball. The visibility of the game has also increased due to tournaments like the Rugby World Cup and international touring.
The Top Three
Football
American football has been glamorized by Hollywood, with movies like Any Given Sunday, and this has contributed to making football one of the most popular sports to bet on in America and across the globe. Professional Football games can even be watched live in places like London.
The season for American football runs from September through to December, and there is a jaw-dropping 256 games that are played between 32 teams. Needless to say, there are tons of options when it comes to betting, from Moneyline (one of the simpler ones) to against the spread wagering.
You can even bet while the game is happening, on things like the first touchdown of the game or interceptions, adding to the thrill of it all.
Basketball
The NBA is slightly more complicated to place bets on. There are so many divisions, seeds, teams and players, that it is challenging to make any sort of precise forecast when it comes to basketball games.
That only means it is all the more rewarding when you understand how the game works, make a wager and win. It’s an adrenaline rush that people must love because, despite the complexity, it still remains a highly bet on sport.
Soccer
It’s not difficult to see why soccer is perhaps one of the most popular sports to bet on in sportsbooks. In many nations around the world, it tops the list in both viewership and support. Matches draw a significant number of viewers and generate a lot of endorsement deals. Soccer, known as football in other countries, spiked in interest in the US, after the 1994 World Cup was hosted there. NBC Sports now broadcasts substantial coverage of important English soccer teams.
Soccer odds are a top wager at both online and brick-and-mortar bookmakers. It’s a sport that’s relatively easy to grasp and appreciate.
Some Other Great Sports to Bet On
Baseball
Just like basketball or soccer, there are tons of action and teams to watch and enjoy. Learning about the game and doing research on the season and the sport before you bet will help you in the long run when it comes to betting.
The best part is that you can only bet on the Moneyline when it comes to baseball, so it’s just about who wins or loses.
MMA and Boxing
Mixed martial arts and boxing are sports that are both exhilarating to watch and to bet on. Most sportsbooks will have them as an option, and there aren’t as many competitors as the other sports and there’s always lots of information about matches and opponents readily available. This makes it the perfect sport to bet on for both seasoned sports bettors and novices.
Whatever sport you choose to bet on, the most important thing is to have fun and make bets that are within your budget. That way, it’s a win-win!
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