When the World Cup kicks off this summer, fans around the world will be able to tune in to watch their favourite teams battle it out on the pitch. But have you ever wondered how all those games make money, and who is making the bets? We spoke to BettorsCapital, a company specialising in sports betting, to find out more.
What is Sports Betting and Why Should You Care?
When people hear the words “sports betting”, images of dodgy bookies probably come to mind. But, in actual fact, betting on sports is a fairly new industry, having only sprung up in the twentieth century. The first official World Cup took place in 1930, and while betting on football has always been popular, its acceptance as a valid and legitimate form of gambling only really took off in the post–World War II era.
The reason behind this is simple. Back in the day, people mainly got together to play games and socialize. However, thanks to technological advancements, entertainment value can now be maximized through online platforms, live streaming and podcasts.
As a result, the demand for sports betting grew, as did the industry as a whole. Today, there are over 250 million active sports bettors globally, and the industry is valued at over $25 billion.
What Are The Most Popular Sports?
The most popular sports amongst sports bettors are clearly football and rugby. According to BettorsCapital, over 40% of sports bettors globally back these two sports. These are the two most popular sports in the world, which isn’t especially surprising; football is one of the most popular sports worldwide, and rugby has worked its way up the ranks over the last few years.
It’s important to note here that not all football fans are necessarily sports bettors. Some bet on the teams they support simply because they enjoy the sport and want to follow the results more closely. But for the majority of fans, the two go hand-in-hand.
It’s probably also no coincidence that the two most popular sports amongst sports bettors are both team sports. It’s well-established that people who enjoy football and rugby also tend to enjoy watching the professional leagues, where they can follow the action from week to week and learn more about the game.
Does Football Always Profit?
It’s fair to say that in some cases, football can be somewhat of a gamble. For instance, you could throw a dart at a football score from last week and win or lose based on the outcome. This is definitely not something most people want to get involved in. Of course, there are a lot more entertaining and reliable ways to make money from football than this. But it’s certainly something that exists.
One of the best-known and most popular gambling sites in the world is located in Malta, considered by many to be the headquarters of the online gambling industry. One of the most popular gambling sites in Malta is 32Red. It was launched in 2004 and now has over 200 million registered users worldwide, making it the 5th largest gambling site in the world. The popularity of this site can be attributed to the fact that it offers a wide range of betting options, including live betting, as well as a fully operational casino.
Based on the same concept, EuroSport is another reputable and popular sports betting site. Launched in 2006, EuroSport is owned by the Golix Group, which also owns Betclic and Bet365. The Golix Group is one of the most reputable and largest sports betting companies in the world, which is perhaps why EuroSport remains an independent entity. This site is best known for its simplicity and user-friendliness, as well as its large range of betting options, including several hundred different sporting events, daily fantasy sports and live betting. Moreover, EuroSport offers a fully functional casino, making it accessible to all gambling enthusiasts.
Similarly, Bet365 is another popular sports betting site, which was initially founded in Ireland back in 1995. To this day, it remains one of the most trusted and reputable companies in online betting, and is also one of the biggest sports betting sites in the world. This site is especially popular amongst soccer fans, with over 75% of its registered users living in Europe. Like Golix and EuroSport, Bet365 also offers several hundred different sporting events, Daily Fantasy Sports, and live betting, as well as a fully functioning casino. In fact, with over 75 million registered users, it’s the largest sports betting site globally. If you’re looking for an online betting site, consider using one of these three brands.
Does It Always Profit To Back Your Own Team?
While it’s always fun to support your favorite team, sports betting can also be a lucrative venture. However, backing your own team comes with its own set of risks. The key takeaway from this section is that you should only bet on the teams you understand thoroughly. Doing so can help you minimize the chances of losing money. This is especially important if you follow the advice of pro-tipsters online, who may try to convince you that you can beat the odds and win big.
Taking a page out of my own book, let’s say that you’re a Manchester United fan and know that they’ll be challenging for the Premier League title this upcoming season. In this case, you may feel inclined to back them with a small punt here and there, confident in the fact that they’ll score enough goals to compensate for your losses.
The problem with doing so is that United is an overwhelmingly unlucky team at home (only 34% of their games end in a win), which can make them a risky choice for betting on. The last thing you want to do is gamble on a team you know is going to lose, especially if you’ve got other sports competitions you’re following just as keenly.
It’s always best to research a team you’re backing before putting money on the line. Make sure you’re familiar with the key players, coaching staff and overall team pedigree. With the right information and research, it’s often possible to pick winning teams and minimize the risks of losing. And who knows – maybe you’ll even luck out and win big!
Where Do I Bet?
Now that you’re armed with the basics of how sports betting works, it’s time to explore the world of sports betting alternatives. The first step here is to identify the best online bookmaker for your needs. Moreover, you should also consider whether or not you want to make all your bets online or whether you’d prefer to follow the traditional route and meet face-to-face with a dodgy bookie in his hole-in-the-wall. Of course, this is entirely up to you. But for those looking for an alternative to meeting face-to-face with a bookie, the online world is a great place to look.
Here are a few popular and reputable sports betting sites, along with their status as far as trustworthiness goes:
- Bet365 – Trusted, Safe and Secure
- 32Red – Top Class
- Betclic – Safe and Secure
- BetVictor – Top Class
- Betchan.ag – Top Class
- Fulltiltpoker – Trusted
Which Betting Platform Do I Opt For?
There are several different platforms designed for sports betting, from the fairly outdated to the downright cutting edge. But, as a beginner, it’s best to go with what many people consider to be the gold standard: Bet365. This is because not only do they offer a comprehensive FAQ section, as well as a vast array of betting options, but they also maintain a strong reputation for being a safe, secure and trusted online bookmaker. Moreover, Bet365 is ideal for newcomers, as it offers a learn-as-you-go approach, providing you with a solid foundation of how to bet, before allowing you to dive into the more complex world of sports. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-use and accessible platform, consider using Bet365.