Shawn Bradley 
A Global Snapshot
Worldwide, football, or soccer, as it is known in the majority of the globe, is by itself the most interesting sport. Industry numbers put it above half of all sports bets worldwide, with some numbers putting it closer to seven out of ten bets. That’s from ordinary league play to such giant events as the FIFA World Cup. On the 2022 World Cup alone, worldwide bets at over $100 billion. While these numbers are big, they also come with reminders from RG in Canada: set limits, keep betting fun, and know when to step away. Let’s analyze the following sports (soccer included) that fans love watching the most.
U.S. Trends: Football and Basketball
In the United States, American football is the clear leader, with the Super Bowl alone pulling in more than $23 billion in wagers each year. That’s just for one game. The short season, big playoff stakes, and cultural importance keep it at the top. Then there is basketball, specifically March Madness, the annual college basketball tournament. In 2023, March Madness wagers were approximately $15.5 billion. Those statistics only show how event-driven the U.S. market is.
Emerging Markets: Esports and Other Trends
Esports betting is the fastest-growing segment. Video games like League of Legends and Counter-Strike will reach a global market of $12.7 billion by 2025. While still fairly small compared to soccer or American football, it’s growing fast, especially among young fans.
Women’s sports are also gaining growing betting interest as coverage extends. This is a niche market, still not large, but the growth trend is consistent.
Why Soccer Stands Out
Here are four main reasons soccer tops the charts:
- Long Seasons
Most major leagues run for nine or ten months, offering constant matches and betting opportunities. - Huge Events
The World Cup alone draws hundreds of millions of viewers and billions in bets. - Global Fanbase
Soccer is played and followed in almost every country, creating a steady worldwide market. - Mobile Access
Around 70 percent of sports bets now happen on smartphones, making it easy to place wagers wherever it’s legal.
Different studies report slightly different percentages for soccer’s share of the market. Some say just over 50 percent, others close to 70 percent. But they all agree it’s the leader by a wide margin.
Canadian Perspective
In Canada, the betting market looks different from the global picture. Soccer is growing, especially during big tournaments, but hockey is still king in terms of fan passion. The Stanley Cup Playoffs draw heavy local interest, both from viewers and bettors. The Grey Cup also has its own spike, although it is much smaller compared to global soccer or American football numbers. 
Still, the global data is clear: soccer is number one overall, followed by American football, horse racing, tennis, and cricket. Esports and women’s sports are climbing, but haven’t yet reached the top tier.
Numbers at a Glance
| Region/Context | Most Bet-On Sport(s) | Example Figures |
| Global | Soccer | 50–70% of bets worldwide |
| United States | NFL, Basketball | Super Bowl $23B+, March Madness $15.5B |
| Other Sports | Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket | Horse Racing €93B annually |
| Emerging | Esports, Women’s Sports | Esports $12.7B by 2025 |
Final Word
Sports betting patterns change with time. New markets emerge, rules shift, and fan interests move. While soccer is on top now, the mix can change, especially with the rise of esports and expanding coverage of women’s competitions. It would not come as a surprise to fans if esports were to become as big as its real-life counterpart, thanks to an ever-growing boom in technology. 
For Canadian fans, the biggest games still happen on the ice or the gridiron. But in the numbers game of global betting, the ball is at soccer’s feet. And wherever you follow the action, responsible gambling guidelines remain the most important stat to keep in mind.
