From the Grand National to the FIFA World Cup, if there’s a score, there will be a bet. For some people, watching the biggest sporting events in the world to bet on is enough. But if you are reading this, chances are that you like to bet on them too and spice things up.
One thing is for sure - during the big competitions, sportsbooks are on fire. Read on and learn what not to miss.
The Biggest Sporting Events to Bet On
Experts have spent time studying cultural phenomena that have inspired people for centuries to not only passionately follow and cheer for these events but also to bet on their outcomes.
Psychological studies suggest that the human enjoyment of betting stems from a combination of entertainment, a perceived sense of control, social interaction, a way to cope with stress, and inherent cognitive biases.
If you've seen Peaky Blinders, you know how popular sports betting was even after World War I. Throughout history, betting has come a long way from just horses and bookies; it has evolved into a massive, ever-changing global industry.
Many sports analysts investigated why football is the number 1 sport in Europe. With its tremendous human capital, it is no wonder that the English Premier League generates more than 3.5 billion euros per year.
As Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer, once said:
Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.
FIFA World Cup Betting at Its Peak: One Planet, One Game
FIFA World Cup is one of the largest, if not the largest sporting event in the world. With all the excitement surrounding it, you may feel tempted to place some bets on your favourite team.
Trump initiated White House Task Force preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and FIFA World Cup 26™, aiming for the "biggest, safest and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history."
The FIFA World Cup is the zenith of international competition. It draws millions in, driving some of the highest betting volumes seen across the sports betting landscape. The appeal of this football contest lies in the passionate fan base and the global excitement this event brings.
The Grand National: The Day Britain Pauses
The Grand National is more than a battle on the course. It’s the most bet-on single sporting event globally and the most watched and wagered-on race in the UK annually.
It’s often a single horse race a year that many people bet on, even if they don’t usually bet. So, why does this contest make it so popular?
The first reason is tradition. It goes way back to 1839, and a large field and long distance make it more of a lottery than other races. This can result in horses winning at big odds, just like huge underdog Mon Mome took the win in 2009.
The unpredictable nature of horse racing often results in surprising wins, offering significant potential payouts for those who bet on unlikely outcomes.
The atmosphere is so captivating that many bettors pick a horse to bet on due to superficial reasons, such as the jockey's silk colour or the horse's name.
These factors, combined with the race drama and the excitement of betting on horse racing, make the Grand National more popular than any other race.
March Madness: Fill the Bracket, Conquer the Madness
No other sports tournament is as adrenaline-pumping as the NCAA March Madness. It’s one of the top sporting events to bet on. Its vast number of teams and massive variety of games promise a spectacle worth watching and betting on.
With so many games happening in such a short span, bettors have nearly limitless opportunities to wager on various matchups. This excitement draws both casual and seasoned bettors, leading to a massive spike in betting action.
One of the most significant events of Men’s March Madness is the bracket challenge, where fans fill the brackets before the start of the contest. This predicts the outcomes of every stage of the competition.
In 2019, Gregg Nigl, an Ohio neurologist, achieved the closest to a perfect NCAA bracket by correctly predicting the outcomes of the first 49 games.
NCAA basketball organises this competition in a unique post-season format, which is extremely exciting for the viewers. The teams have to be near perfect, and they can’t afford to slip up if they want to proceed to the later stages of the competition. Since there's a lot on the line, athletes always bring their A-game.
Unlike the other leagues, every team in the NCAA March Madness have a chance to win or at least go very far in the competition.
Think about Florida Gulf Coast getting to the Sweet Sixteen in 2013, or VCU making it to the Final Four in 2011, and of course, George Mason in 2006. Really shows that anything is possible.
Kentucky Derby: Two Minutes to Millions
One of the biggest sports betting events in the USA and globally is definitely the Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby now guarantees a record $5 million in prize money, with the winner receiving $3.1 million, a gold trophy, and potential stallion earnings.
Each race lasts approximately two minutes, creating a fast-paced and gripping experience for the spectators and bettors.
This derby is a celebrated American tradition and attracts a broad and diverse audience each year, showcasing the best thoroughbreds. It’s a combination of premier horse racing and exotic wagers, making it one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Super Bowl: Betting Storm That Stops a Nation
When it comes to the most bet on sporting events that captivate the American public, the Super Bowl is number one.
The last year’s Super Bowl between the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles was the most watched U.S. telecast of all time.
This single, decisive, winner-take-all game is remarkably easy and enjoyable to watch. The straightforward scoring, combined with the war-like metaphors and potential for intense action, creates a captivating blend.
Maybe fans come for the game, but they stay for the advertisements and the spectacular halftime show. Even people who aren't really into sports tend to tune in for this.
Bettors can choose from a wide variety of betting options, from traditional bets to point spreads and exciting prop bets. Essentially, betting on specific in-game events or individual player performances, known as proposition bets, injects greater engagement and excitement into the overall betting experience.
The Super Bowl’s high-stakes landscape captivates both casual bettors and serious gamblers, engaging deeply with strategies and analysis.
UEFA Champions League: Europe’s Elite Collide
What is the most bet on sporting event in Europe? Possibly UEFA Champions League.
The tournament's knockout rounds really heat up, drawing a ton of betting action from both regional and international spectators and bettors.
Football betting, especially for major events like the UEFA Champions League, ranks among the most bet-on sports globally. It gets super busy when it's the knockout stage, with all the excitement and surprises.
NBA Finals Betting Heat: From Downtown to Payday
Famous for its dynamic multi-game format, the NBA opens a wide range of betting opportunities across a series.
The NBA season allows teams to compete against each other multiple times. This is particularly evident during playoff periods, where teams often compete in best-of-seven series. This layout creates a veil of mystery as teams adjust their tactics based on previous matchups.
Bets can be placed game by game, allowing spectators to design a strategy based on team performance and players’ injuries. Bettors can also wager on which team will win the series, including factors like team momentum and home-court advantage. Prop bets rely on players’ performances, such as assists, rebounds, or points scored.
Numerous avenues that allow bettors to invest in the action and engage make the NBA one of the largest sporting events in the world.
Why These Sporting Events Attract Bettors Globally
The most watched sporting events in the world draw billions of viewers globally. Their massive global viewership and immense popularity naturally make them hotspots for sports betting. What factors contribute to this immense appeal?
The unpredictability and excitement are just some of the reasons. Last-minute victories, emotional highs and lows during the game and unexpected upsets set them apart from other, less popular sports events. Additionally, live broadcasts, expert analysis, social media discussions and extensive media coverage keep fans and bettors engaged throughout.
These major sporting events not only captivate the spectators worldwide but also offer unparalleled opportunities for bettors. They make them a part of the action and an integral part of the global sports culture. With the upcoming sports events, bettors around the world eagerly await each new season.
The World’s Biggest Sporting Events Are Waiting - Are You Ready to Bet?
Okay, we've got the biggest sporting events in the world to bet on sorted. Let's chat about some strategies to make your betting game stronger.
- Familiarise yourself with the tournament schedule.
- Compare sportsbook offers.
- Do an in-depth research on teams and players.
To bet wisely, analyse team performance, past competition results, key players, playing styles, and injuries. This provides valuable insights into each team's strengths and weaknesses, helping you evaluate their potential for success in future matches.
- Analyse betting odds.
Follow valuable resources and insights on betting odds, and stay informed so you can make decisions based on statistical analysis.
- Explore betting markets.
From traditional options like match winner, correct score and total goals, to more exotic choices like prop bet, first goalscorer and halftime/fulltime, the options are many and they vary from contest to contest. The art lies in finding your style and playing it your way.
It's all about identifying your preferred bets, maintaining a consistent strategy and gambling responsibly. Remember - get the truth, then play. Good luck!
