Sports Betting – The Leading Countries Delivering Greatness

From the days where sports betting was nothing more than a friendly challenge between family and friends, it has grown into a massive industry creating billions annually in revenue. For basically as long as that athletes are partaking in sports, there has been those keen on making the event a lucrative one.

Hence, sports betting is one of the oldest industries in the world. Over time, some governments declared it illegal and others not, some lifted bans and experienced great income opportunities. Some places in the world it is being orchestrated shadowed away from the law, and others celebrate it. Either way, sports betting is a continually growing industry, so let’s explore who are the foremost achievers in this billion-dollar industry.

The Brits Are Far Ahead

The United Kingdom is home to the oldest sports betting scene in the world. Until today this remains a popular past time activity for people of all ages. It is an activity enjoyed by young and old and therefore it is no surprise that Britain is also considered to be the country presenting a large number of players who are still underage.

Sports betting is considered a legal activity since 1961 and has grown to a place where their new annual revenue generated exceeded the $20 billion mark. No surprise then that at least 65% of the population make site regular sports bets.

America – catching up.

In 1992 a controversial ban was placed on all sports betting activities in the United States. In 2018 the legislation changed, and that allowed sports betting again into the country, depending on state regulations. Many states have already legalized it, some with firmer restrictions than others.

Since then, it has grown tremendously. Even during the period between 1992 and 2018 when gambling was only allowed in Nevada, the single state managed to generate revenue to the value of $4.9 billion annually. Keep in mind that while it was illegal in all other countries, it was still present and it was an industry purely operating in the shadows of the underground. Now America is fast catching up with many states already reaping the benefits.

Aussie Betting

Australia has a great deal of freedom regarding sports betting since 1980, and the only limitation is regarding advertising these activities on radio or television. Every year more than $1 billion is spent on sports betting. This is also a growing industry which has grown from having 25% of the gambling market share to holding now a position of 50% market share.

Italian Luck

Following as number two behind the UK, Italian is the second-largest sports betting country in Europe. Football is the main attraction in this industry, which contributed over €10 billion in wagers.

German Prestige

Germany views sports betting not only as a powerful but also very prestigious industry. Hence the German betting market is quite busy. Their favourites are horse racing and football, inspiring wagers from punters in access of €6 billion annually.