28 Surprising Sports Betting Statistics and Facts

Sports Betting Statistics show interesting facts about the growing world of sports betting. Millions of people place bets on different sports every day. Knowing these numbers can help us understand betting trends, odds, and how people bet. 

Let’s have a look at some of the numbers.

General Sports Betting Statistics

1. In 2024, Marina Bay Sands led the gambling industry with a brand value of $6.16 billion. (Statista)

Fanduel, a U.S.-based sports betting company, ranked second in 2024 with a brand value of $5.64 billion. Below is a table of the top 5:

2. In October 2024, SportyBet.com led all gambling websites with around 122 million visits. (Statista)

SportyBet.com had over 10 million more visits than second-ranked Stake.com that month.

3. By September 2024, sports betting was legal in 38 U.S. states to varying extents. (Statista)

While sports betting was legalized federally in the U.S. in 2018, each state has its specific gambling laws.

4. As of 2023, 38 U.S. states have legalized sports betting. (American Gaming Association)

Missouri is expected to become the 39th state by 2025. More states are likely to follow suit, especially as legal sports betting continues to gain momentum across the country.

Sports Betting Usage Statistics

5. Online sports bettors are expected to reach 83.7 million by 2029 in the United States (Statista)

The percentage of users engaging in sports betting is expected to grow from 11.6% in 2024 to 15.9% by 2029, highlighting its increasing popularity.

6. Sports betting in the U.S. rose 23.6% in 2024, with $147.9 billion wagered (American Gaming Association)

This surge reflects the growing popularity of sports gambling, driven by expanding legalization, improved digital platforms, and increased participation from casual and seasoned bettors.

7. 1 in 5 Americans bet on sports in 2024 (Nerdwallet)

A 2025 survey found that 20% of Americans placed a sports bet (excluding dog and horse races) in the past 12 months, up from 12% in December 2023. This indicates a 67% increase.

8. 65% bet on sports to earn extra money (Nerdwallet)

This finding highlights that sports betting is more than just entertainment for many—it's seen as a potential source of income. However, it also raises concerns about financial risks and the importance of responsible gambling.

9. Americans who bet on sports in 2024 spent an average of $3,284 (Nerdwallet)

This significant spending underscores the growing influence of sports betting but also highlights the need for responsible gambling practices. However, the median spending is $750.

Sports Betting Demographics Statistics

10. In 2024, North America led globally with 787,345 slot machines. (Statista)

Central and South America had over 300,000 slot machines in 2024.

11. A 2024 survey found that 55% of U.S. adults gambled in the past year. (Statista)

This marked a 6% increase from the previous year.

12. A 2024 survey revealed that the 25 to 34 age group had the largest share of sports bettors in the U.S. (Statista)

In total, 34% of U.S. adults in this demographic had used a sportsbook in the past year.

13. A January 2024 survey found that 72% of sports bettors in the U.S. were male. (Statista)

Since the Supreme Court lifted the federal ban in May 2018, sports betting has been permitted in certain U.S. states.

14. As of January 2024, DraftKings was the most popular sports betting website and app in the United States. (Statista)

DraftKings was used by 35% of sports bettors, while FanDuel took the second spot with 32%.

15. As of 2024, 51% of sports bettors were white, and 44% earned $100K+ (Birches Health)

These figures suggest that sports betting appeals widely but is more common among higher-income groups.

Sports Betting Spending Statistics

16. In January 2024, 58% of UK football fans spent up to 100 GBP betting on the sport. (Statista)

10% of horse racing fans bet 101 GBP or more monthly, the highest share among sports fans surveyed.

17. About 1 in 7 U.S. sports bettors have gone into debt gambling (Nerdwallet)

It highlights the risks of betting beyond one’s means and the importance of promoting responsible gambling habits.

18. 31% of U.S. bettors see gambling as an investment (Nerdwallet)

This mindset blurs the line between betting and financial strategy, potentially leading to risky decision-making.

19. 29% of U.S. bettors plan to bet more in 2025 than in 2024 (Nerdwallet)

This trend suggests growing confidence in sports betting but raises concerns about potential financial risks.

20. Americans legally wagered $120 billion on sports in 2023, a 30% increase from 2022. (American Gaming Association)

It reflects the rapid growth of legalized sports betting in the U.S. Expansion into more states and online platforms likely drove this surge, offering economic benefits like tax revenue and raising concerns about responsible gambling and regulation.

21. The Super Bowl 2023 saw $16.5 billion wagered, making it the largest single-betting event in history. (American Gaming Association)

The record-breaking $16.5 billion wagered on Super Bowl 2023 underscores the massive popularity and economic impact of sports betting in the U.S. This milestone reflects both the growing acceptance of legalized gambling and the cultural significance of the Super Bowl as a premier sporting event.

22. By 2025, global sports betting spending is expected to exceed $200 billion annually. (Research and Markets)

It reflects the industry's rapid expansion and increasing mainstream acceptance worldwide. 

Sports Betting Revenue Statistics

23. The global online gambling and betting industry was worth $85.62 billion in 2023. (Statista)

It is expected to reach $133.59 billion by 2029. Meanwhile, the sports betting and lottery industry was valued at approximately $244 billion as of March 2024.

24. U.S. sports betting revenue hit $13.71 billion in 2024 (Reuters)

A 25.4% increase from last year’s record, despite California and Texas still not legalizing sports betting.

25. The global sports market is expected to hit over $680 billion by 2028 (Statista)

This figure will record a 9.13% increase compared to 2022, with revenue amounting to over $403 billion.

26. DraftKings and FanDuel control 80% of the U.S. sports betting market. (Reuters)

By 2030, the market could grow to $39 billion in size.

Other Sports Betting Statistics 

27. A February 2024 UK survey found that bettors used their accounts less because they bet less often.

Meanwhile, 18% of respondents said they did most of their betting on their main account.

28. Basketball is the most popular sport to bet on in the United States (Drive research)

Basketball takes the lead with 53% as the most popular sport for betting in the U.S., followed closely by soccer with 51% and football (46%).

Conclusion

Sports betting is growing fast, with more people betting and more money being wagered each year. While it offers excitement and economic benefits, it’s important to gamble responsibly to avoid financial risks. As the industry expands, staying informed about trends and practices will help bettors make smarter choices.

Sources:

1. https://www.statista.com/ 

2. https://www.americangaming.org/ 

3. https://www.nerdwallet.com/

4. https://bircheshealth.com/

5. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/

6. https://www.reuters.com/