Sports betting has long been a popular form of entertainment in the United Kingdom, dating back hundreds of years to horse racing betting. Over the years, Brits have found favour in several other sports as the UK legalised the activity in 1960. Fast forward to today, millions of pounds are exchanging hands daily across a wide range of sports, both online and physically.
The UK is no doubt a football nation, but is this the only sport Brits love to bet on? By no means. Several other sports enjoy immense popularity among UK punters. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most coveted and beloved sports among UK sports bettors.
1. Football: The Undisputed Champion
When it comes to sports betting, nothing beats football. It’s not just the most popular sport in the world but also one of the sports that receives the highest bets. Football’s unmatched popularity in the UK betting scene is evident in the colossal following of major leagues such as the Premier League, an electrifying competition that boasts some of the world’s finest talents battling it out on the pitch. Alongside this premier tournament, the Champions League stands as a beacon of elite European football, drawing millions of viewers and punters alike.
One thing that makes football particularly appealing to many Brits is the diverse range of betting markets it offers with very competitive odds. UK bettors can predict match outcomes, bet on goal scorers, place handicap bets, and more. With such a wide range of betting markets available, it’s easy to see why football betting leads the way in the UK’s sports betting industry.
2. Horse Racing: A Timeless Tradition
It’s hard to talk about the top sports to bet on in the UK without mentioning horse racing. Known as the sport of kings, horse racing once ruled the online sports betting scene back in the day. To give you an idea of just how popular horse racing has become, it’s estimated that £10 billion is bet on this event each year, making it the second most popular option for sports betting in the UK.
Big events like the Grand National, Royal Ascot, and Epsom Derby draw spectators and punters from all corners of the country. Horse racing is so unpredictable, which is one of the main reasons the sport has become so popular among UK bettors. In most other sports, the odds for the favourites are usually low, but this is not the case with horse racing as these events have very high odds. Like football, horse racing also offers a smorgasbord of betting options, including traditional win/place bets, each-way wagers, exotic bets like forecasts and tricasts, and predicting exact finishing orders.
3. Tennis: The Thrill of Individual Showdowns
Tennis betting has witnessed a surge in the UK, drawing fans with its global appeal and year-round tournaments. The Grand Slam tournaments—Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open—generate billions of pounds in revenue each year. This is not bad for a sport that hardly hits the headlines outside of these tournaments.
Tennis is one of those sports that is reasonably predictable when compared to other sports. Names like Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams have dominated the game for a long time, so it’s hard to go wrong betting on them. Tennis betting markets also offer a plethora of options, allowing punters to immerse themselves in predicting match winners, set scores, and game handicaps, and even engaging in dynamic in-play betting, where odds fluctuate with each serve and volley.
4. Rugby: The Passionate Collision Sport
Rugby is one of those sports that was invented in the UK, with the first rugby match played between England and Scotland in 1871. Rugby’s devoted following in the UK extends far beyond the field, encompassing a legion of fervent supporters who avidly engage in rugby betting.
Major events like the Six Nations, a fierce clash of European rugby powerhouses, and the globally acclaimed Rugby World Cup, showcase the sport’s thrilling dynamics and exciting wagering opportunities. These tournaments offer plenty of betting options, from predicting outright winners to betting on handicaps and even wagering on prolific try scorers.
5. Cricket: Batting for Excitement
A rather confusing game of wickets, bats, and balls that lasts for several days, cricket holds a special place in the hearts of UK bettors. You’ll find odds and betting markets on practically everything. From the traditional Test matches to the high-octane action of One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the fast-paced thrill of T20 games like IPL and Big Bash, cricket boasts diversity that keeps bettors engaged year-round.
The Ashes is one of the biggest events on the calendar for UK bettors, but the Cricket World Cup draws an even bigger audience. These events bring many betting opportunities to the table as punters can bet on match results, top batsmen, innings scores, player performances, and more.
Top Betting Sites for UK Sports Bettors
When it comes to betting on these top sports in the UK, it can get tricky as there are hundreds, if not, thousands of bookmakers available. If you’re interested in betting on any of these sports in the UK, it’s recommended to join online bookies that are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission or other regulatory authorities.
Before joining a bookie, it’s a good idea to read reviews to ensure you’re picking the right one. That’s where sportsbook comparison platforms like Mybettingsite.uk come in. The site provides honest reviews of the UK’s best betting platforms. These recommended platforms not only provide a high-quality betting experience on these sports but also offer plenty of betting markets with competitive odds for these sports. You’ll also find lots of free bet offers and have access to in-play betting, live streaming, cash out, and other unique features.
If you’re interested in learning more about the features and what the best UK betting sites have on offer, you can find out here!
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that sports betting has become an integral part of British culture, with these sports offering exciting betting opportunities for Brits. However, with the growth of the sports betting industry, the next ten years promise to be exciting and could see some lesser-known sports challenging the big players.
