Sports betting is a hugely popular pastime in the UK, with millions of fans getting in on the action every week. Whether it's a weekend football accumulator or a cheeky wager on tennis, UK punters love to bet on sports.
It's worth noting that online sports betting is a fiercely competitive market, with new bookmakers constantly entering the fray. Even established casino brand PartyCasino is launching their very own sports betting service to tap into the lucrative market. But with the right approach, sports betting can be hugely successful. It's essential to research your bets, manage your bankroll and only bet what you can afford to lose.
But which sports are the most popular to bet on? Let's take a look at the top three.
Football
Football is, without a doubt, the most popular sport to bet on in the UK. Millions of fans flock to stadiums up and down the country every week to support their teams, and even more watch from the comfort of their own homes. Betting on football has become almost as popular as watching it, with punters able to access thousands of markets across hundreds of leagues around the world. Whether it's the Premier League, La Liga or Serie A, there is always a game to bet on. And with in-play and cash-out options, it's easier than ever to get involved.
Tennis
Tennis might come as a surprise to some, but the sport has grown in popularity in recent years as a betting market. The rise of live betting has played a vital role in this, with punters able to bet on individual sets and games at the touch of a button. Tennis is also a sport that is relatively predictable, with a handful of dominant players such as Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams. This makes it an attractive prospect for punters looking to make a profit.
Horse Racing
Horse racing was once the sport of kings, but it has slipped down the priority list of UK punters in recent years. While prominent events like the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National and Royal Ascot still draw big wagers, daily and weekly betting on horse racing has waned in popularity. The wider availability of football and tennis markets and in-play and cash-out options have meant that horse racing has lost some of its appeal.
Greyhound Racing
While it may not be as popular as it once was, greyhound racing still commands a significant amount of revenue in the UK sports betting market. Interestingly, greyhound racing and horse racing are the only two sports where gambling adverts are allowed during live coverage on UK television, highlighting the importance of the sport to the betting industry.
In conclusion, football is the undisputed king of UK sports betting, with millions enjoying the thrill of hyping up their favourite team week after week. Tennis is the second most popular sport, while horse and hound racing have lost some of their popularity in the face of competition from other sports. Whatever your sport of choice, remember to bet responsibly and have fun.
