Sports betting has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, with millions of people around the world placing bets on their favorite sports teams and athletes. While the amount of money wagered on each sport varies from year to year, there are certain teams and athletes that always attract a significant amount of betting activity. Here are some of the most betted-on sports teams and athletes in recent times, along with some data on the amounts of money wagered on them:
1. Football (Soccer)
Football is the most popular sport in the world and attracts a huge amount of betting activity every year. According to some estimates, the global sports betting market is worth over $200 billion, with football betting accounting for a significant portion of this figure. The most betted-on football teams include:
- Real Madrid
- Barcelona
- Manchester United
- Liverpool
- Bayern Munich
These teams have a huge global following and attract a lot of attention from both casual and professional bettors. In recent years, the amounts of money wagered on football matches have been staggering. For example, in the 2018 World Cup, an estimated $136 billion was wagered on various matches, with the final alone attracting over $6 billion in bets.
2. Basketball
Basketball is another popular sport that attracts a lot of betting activity, particularly in the United States. The most betted-on basketball teams include:
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Golden State Warriors
- Boston Celtics
- Chicago Bulls
- Miami Heat
These teams have a huge following in the United States and are known for their dominance in the sport. In recent years, the amount of money wagered on basketball has been steadily increasing. In the 2020 NBA Finals alone, an estimated $500 million was wagered on various bets, with a large portion of this money being placed on the Los Angeles Lakers.
3. Tennis
Tennis is a popular sport among bettors due to the many tournaments and matches that take place throughout the year. The most betted-on tennis players include:
- Novak Djokovic
- Rafael Nadal
- Roger Federer
- Serena Williams
- Naomi Osaka
These players have achieved great success in the sport and have a huge following around the world. In recent years, the amount of money wagered on tennis has been growing steadily. In 2019, an estimated £9.2 billion was wagered on tennis matches in the United Kingdom alone, with a large portion of this money being placed on major tournaments such as Wimbledon and the US Open.
Overall, the amount of money wagered to sports teams and athletes is staggering and continues to grow every year. While some bettors may focus on lesser-known sports or events, the most betted-on teams, and athletes are usually those with a huge following and a track record of success. Whether you’re a casual bettor or a seasoned professional, it’s important to do your research and only wager what you can afford to lose.
