By Lawrence Agbo

Sports betting has become very popular in many countries, and this is due to the rise in digital technology and widespread wireless connectivity.

More people now engage in sports betting right from the comfort of their homes using their smartphones.

Among the top 10 countries where sports betting is popular, Nigeria is the only country in Africa.

Here is a list of the top 10 countries where sports betting is popular.

Italy

Italy is known as one of the countries that engages in sports right from the times of the Roman empire and its passion for football makes it famous for match-fixing. The betting market of the country has since grown from what it used to be to a global market with the use of smartphones. Apart from football, the country also has one of the largest sports betting markets, with basketball, baseball, hockey, track cycling, and boxing being prominent.

Brazil

Although betting was illegal for many years in Brazil, it has gradually gained popularity among

the middle-class population, with football being the favoured sport for betting. Sports betting in Brazil is regulated with a provisional decree issued in late July 2023, 5 years after it became popular.

India

India is known to attract over 140 million regular bettors despite the restrictions, complexities, and laws that regulate sports betting in the country.

Nigeria

Nigeria is the leader in sports betting in Africa due to the country’s love for football, especially the English Premier League. Millions of Nigerians, especially the youths engage in mobile betting platforms and it has contributed to the rapid rise of sports betting in the country.

France

In France, online sports betting is a form of entertainment for the youth through the internet and mobile apps. Most bettors in France place multiple bets several times a week, and only a few place bets monthly.

Australia

Australia’s love for betting is due to its gambling nature. The country is vast in online sports betting and provides a convenient platform for betting enthusiasts.  Australia is home to a large number of online bookmakers with a wide range of markets, including horse racing, football, and cricket.

Japan

Japan’s younger generation is well-versed in worldwide trends and international sporting events, which has prompted the Japanese government to consider legalising sports betting as a means of increasing revenue and promoting tourism. Japan is well-known for its popular sports betting events, which include football, baseball, and horse racing.

The United States

Betting has a long tradition in the United States, ranging from traditional horse race betting to modern casinos and online gaming. Following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to lift the federal ban on sports betting, some states made it legal, allowing Americans to gamble on professional and college games. This has greatly increased the volume of sports betting, both online and in person.

United Kingdom

Sports betting is one of the most common types of gambling in the United Kingdom, with football, horse racing, and tennis among the most popular sports to wager on. Betting shops are popular, and internet sports betting platforms are available throughout the country.

China

China’s cultural traditions, easy online accessibility, and large population have allowed the country to experience a substantial surge. This is undoubtedly supported by illegal gambling operations, such as underground casinos and online betting, which continue to grow in certain areas.

Vanguard News