With legalised sports betting now available in 38 of the 50 states, interest continues to grow among American bettors, and the top markets indicate clear favourites that draw major engagement from fans across the country.
1. Football: Dominating U.S. Betting Markets
American Football, particularly NFL games, stands as the leading market for U.S. sports bettors, with approximately 32 million Americans placing bets on NFL games during the 2023-2024 season. The Super Bowl alone attracts nearly $500 million in bets, underscoring the enormous popularity of the sport.
Football’s broad appeal, paired with high-profile partnerships between the NFL and sportsbooks, has reinforced its position as the most lucrative market. If you want to try your luck and bet on football, you can find trusted gambling sites at CasinoWhizz.com.
2. College Basketball: The March Madness Effect
March Madness ranks as one of the most bet-upon events in the United States. The NCAA basketball tournament generates billions in wagers each year, with over 58 million Americans estimated to have placed bets on the tournament. This period sees sportsbooks capturing high traffic as fans engage in everything from bracket challenges to game-specific bets.
3. Professional Basketball (NBA)
The NBA enjoys widespread betting activity throughout its season, which stretches from October to June. NBA games draw bettors nationwide, contributing to partnerships and substantial revenue generation from sportsbooks. The league’s openness to sports betting partnerships has created additional avenues for fan engagement, elevating its popularity in the betting world.
4. Baseball (MLB)
Major League Baseball remains a solid betting market, particularly during the high-stakes World Series in October. Baseball’s steady pace and long season give fans numerous opportunities to wager on outcomes, prop bets, and in-game developments, keeping MLB among the top five most popular sports to bet on in the U.S.
5. Hockey (NHL)
While ice hockey is not as widely bet upon as football or basketball, NHL betting has carved out a niche, especially in northern U.S. states and areas with a strong hockey culture. The intensity of the Stanley Cup play-offs further bolsters hockey’s appeal among dedicated sports bettors.
6. Motorsports: NASCAR and Formula 1
Motorsports betting has become more prominent, particularly in NASCAR. With plans to boost revenue through sports betting partnerships, NASCAR and Formula 1 races provide a unique, fast-paced betting experience that appeals to a growing segment of the sports betting market.
Digital Dominance: Online and Mobile Betting Trends
Online betting now accounts for nearly 80% of the U.S. sports betting handle. With mobile betting apps leading the charge, platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings dominate the market. FanDuel holds 35% of the market share, while DraftKings follows closely with 32%. This convenience has changed how fans engage with sports, allowing for live bets, prop bets, and more customisable betting experiences on their smartphones.
Market Insights and Projections
The American Gaming Association (AGA) anticipates the total U.S. sports betting revenue could reach $8 billion by 2025. Trends indicate a 10% annual growth in online sports betting, which is expected to continue as new states legalise sports wagering. States like New York, New Jersey, and Nevada lead in terms of total sports betting revenue, with New Jersey reaching over $6 billion in annual turnover.