Sports Betting Statistics and Trends for 2025

 

With the rapidly evolving sports betting landscape, staying ahead of the game and learning about the latest tech advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer behavior is crucial. 

 

From the rise of AI-powered betting models to the expected market size projections globally, this article will cover everything there is to know about sports betting trends and statistics for 2025. Let’s dive into it. 

 

Industry Growth and Market Size in 2025

As the industry continues growing with increasing revenues and more users, it’s about time to break down the latest market size projections, regional growth patterns, and main industry insights. 

 

Global market size projections 

According to research published on Statista, the global market size of the sports betting industry in 2024 was estimated at 243.7 billion US dollars. With the continuous market growth globally, experts also predict a spike in revenues. 

 

Similar research on online sports betting suggests that revenue in this market is expected to reach $50.96bn in 2025, with an anticipated growth rate of 6.33% annually, contributing to the market reaching $65.14 billion by 2029. With the expansion, more users are going to hop onto the betting market. Moreover, with the number of users expected to reach 182.5 million by 2029 the average revenue per user will be at $336.90. 

 

Key regions driving market growth 

As of 2025, several key regions are demonstrating continuous growth, with each player making unique contributions to the global market dynamics. 

 

United States 

By 2029, the number of users across the United States is expected to amount to 54.7 million according to a study published on Statista. The source also claims that US remains one of the leading online sports betting markets. The revenue growth rate in 2025 is projected to reach $17.23 billion, with the average revenue per user standing at $403.50. The projected market volume by 2029 is expected to be $23.80 billion. 

 

Europe

According to the reports by IMARC, in 2024, Europe’s sports betting market size was valued at $36.4 billion, with an expectancy to reach $83.2 billion by 2033, exhibiting a strong growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%. 

 

Latin America 

As current research by Statista and reports suggest, the revenue of the online sports betting market in Latin America is projected to reach $4.26 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to $6.56 billion by 2029. The average revenue per user in 2025 is estimated to be approximately $480. Additionally, the number of bettors is anticipated to increase, reaching 10.2 million by 2029. 

 

Asia Pacific 

As research by Grand Review Research suggests Asia Pacific region showcased consistent growth tendencies throughout the past years, with the sports betting market size being valued at $28.09 billion in 2023 and at $31.05 billion in 2024. The same study suggests that the market size will continue to grow at 11.5% CAGR up to 2030, and by that time, it will reach $60.3 billion. 

 

Insights from the Gambling Industry News and High Stakes DB

According to the Gambling Industry News, the gambling revenue statistics per country is: 

• United States $69.5B

• United Kingdom $18.6B 

• France $14.9B

• Canada $14.0B

• Australia $10.9B 

• Germany $10.3B 

• Macau $5.24B

• Netherlands €1.39B. 

 

The sports betting market, in particular, was worth $83.65 billion in 2022 and grew to $102.4 billion in 2024. The expected trajectory of growth is a CAGR of 10.3% from 2025 to 2030, which will result in the market growing to $182.12 billion. 

 

High Stakes DB also claims that Brazil’s online sports and gambling market in particular is currently undergoing massive restructuring and legislative reforms to ensure a safe gambling experience and grow the market value. Main measures include mandatory licensing and GGR-based taxing on top of regular tax. 

 

Emerging Trends in Sports Betting for 2025

The sports betting industry is becoming more dynamic, with more regions legalizing online betting and sportsbooks. In 2025, several key trends are set to completely transform the industry, enhancing safe betting experiences for users. 

 

Live Betting Expansion

Live betting is gaining more popularity, allowing bettors to place bets as the action unfolds. In 2025, sportsbooks are enhancing this experience with faster data updates and real-time odds adjustments. 

 

Solutions like FeedConstruct provide products such as Live Scouting Data and Odds Feed, helping you provide the most engaging experiences to bettors. 

 

Live Scouting Data allows access to real-time sports data, which is collected from the venues and covers over 7000 monthly matches across 18 sports. With details like player actions, ball possession, fouls, and more, they can react instantly to in-game developments. 

 

By reducing reliance on slower third-party feeds, Live Scouting Data enables operators to minimize risks, and maintain a competitive edge. With faster, more reliable data, you can offer exclusive, high-accuracy in-play betting options that enhance user engagement and maximize profitability. 

 

If you have your trading team, Live Scouting will be an excellent solution for you. However, if you are an operator without a trading team, we also offer an Odds Feed solution. Odds Feed presents comprehensive pre-match and live odds from numerous events and access to over 2000+ odds markets for diverse betting experiences. Our team of over 700 industry experts will deliver accurate and timely odds to boost your sportsbook’s profitability. 

 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML algorithms are increasingly used by platforms in the iGaming industry for tracking and analyzing player behavior. These technologies help companies to identify patterns and problematic behavior with high levels of accuracy. 

 

Furthermore, AI-powered platforms provide personalized betting recommendations, real-time odds adjustments, and improved risk management. 

 

Mobile Betting Dominance

Mobile betting is gaining more popularity and momentum. It offers convenience for users, allowing them to place a bet anywhere and at any time. Mobile devices account for a generous portion of online betting revenue. According to statistics by Grand Review Research, over 70% of online betting revenue comes from users betting on mobile. 

 

Micro-Betting

Micro-betting is a form of in-play wagering that allows bettors to place bets on specific, rapid events within a live sports match. It differs from traditional live betting, which focuses on outcomes like the final score or quarter results. Its popularity emerges from the more dynamic and personalized way for users to engage with live sports betting. 

 

For instance, while watching a cricket game, a user who is engaged in micro-betting can bet whether the next ball will be played a certain way. Another example is predicting the outcome of the next pitch in baseball or the result of the next point in tennis. This also means that users can win or lose multiple times during a sporting event. 

 

Micro-betting significantly increases user engagement levels, driving higher volumes of bets placed during a single game. 

 

Gamification in Sports Betting

Another major trend in sports betting is gamification. Gamification for betting means leveraging game-like elements to make betting experiences more interactive. These elements range from earning rewards (e.g., points) to competing with friends and participating in challenges. 

 

The goal of gamification in betting is to enhance the experience beyond simply placing wagers. Gamification allows the transformation of the sports betting experience into a fun and engaging one, which in turn makes the process more appealing for users who are seeking more dynamic and exciting platforms. 

 

Oftentimes, elements of gamification can be found on sportsbook websites, where they display trivia, streaks, bingo, and fantasy games. 

 

Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies in Betting

Another emerging trend in 2025 is the increased usage of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in betting. The adoption of crypto and blockchain provides several advantages not just to the bettors but also for the operators, such as: 

 

• Cost Efficiency. The integration of cryptocurrencies is a cost-efficient solution as it eliminates the costs of traditional payment processors, allowing operators to reduce overheads. 

• New customer segments. Accepting cryptocurrencies allows operators to tap into a worldwide audience without the constraints of traditional banking limitations. 

• Smooth payment processes. As transactions do not require middlemen, crypto, and blockchain facilitate a quicker process. 

• Trust. Blockchain's immutable ledger ensures secure and transparent transactions, fostering trust between operators and bettors. 

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Sports Betting Preference 

The sports betting landscape is continuously evolving, resulting in changing demand for certain sports and differences depending on the region. 

 

Top sports for betting in 2025

In 2025, the top sports for betting are Football, Basketball, Tennis, Cricket, Horse Racing, Baseball and Esports. 

 

Football has remained the king of sports betting for many years, with strong leagues like the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup. In fact, the football betting market accounts for 25.4% of the global betting market (according to IMARC) and is projected to increase to 42% by 2034 as another research suggests. 

 

Basketball stands close to football in terms of popularity. The global basketball betting market is expected to grow from approximately $7.9 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2024 to around $11 billion by 2028 as the International Betting Integrity Association’s Report suggests. 

 

Tennis offers year-round betting opportunities and promises good revenue growth. According to the International Betting Integrity Association, regulated market is expected to be over $6 billion in GGR annually by 2028. Current projections indicate that the revenue will reach $50 billion in 2025. 

 

Esports also keep emerging as a lucrative betting market. The Business Research Company’s report suggests that in 2025, the global e-sports betting market is expected to grow to $12.66 billion. It also forecasts consistent growth throughout the upcoming years, with a CAGR of 12.6% yearly. 

 

Regional differences in preferred sports and betting markets

Betting preferences also vary depending on the region. For instance, according to Statista, in the United States, the most popular sports for betting are Basketball, Soccer, and American football, more specifically, the Nation Football League’s games (NFL). According to the survey data, as of July 2023, 52.3% of bettors across the US prefer to bet on Basketball, 51.2% on Soccer, and 45.8% on American football. 

 

A similar situation is detected across Asia-Pacific according to Grand Review Research. Most bettors prefer to bet on football, basketball, baseball, horse racing and cricket. 

 

As studies conducted by IMARC Group suggest, one of the most popular games for betting in Europe is football, with the close second being basketball. Other popular sports include tennis, with martial arts gaining momentum once again (MMA and boxing matches in particular). 

 

In Latin America, football (soccer) stands as the most popular sport for betting capturing the majority of wagers across the region. For instance, a survey conducted in Brazil in early 2022 by Statista revealed that 81% of bettors placed wagers on soccer matches. 

 

The leading sport in Africa for betting is once again football. According to The Sunday News, the game attracts over 2 million bettors each month. However, the average amount of bets remains low, around R70 per bet. Basketball is currently gaining more popularity thanks to the NBA’s increasing influence. According to Bangbet, the rising popularity of Basketball is also connected to the successes of African players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid. Typical basketball lover risks about R340 per bet, with many people placing multiple bets per day. 

 

Survey Insights from OLBG and Gambling Industry News

It’s time to shed light on a few facts and results from surveys conducted on gambling tendencies and user preferences. 

 

The survey conducted by OLGB found that adults with children at home are more likely to gamble than those without. In fact, according to the survey the more children you have, the more likely you are to engage in gambling. For instance, 24% of the surveyed adults with one child at home planned to bet during 2025. This percentage went up to 28% for parents who have two or more kids at home. 

 

Another interesting result of the survey was that the FA Cup Final is the most popular sporting event for betting for adults who have children at home. Straight after follows the Champions League Final and Grand National. 

 

According to Gambling Industry News, 26% of the world’s population gambled at least once in their lives. In fact, when it comes to active gamblers in different countries, the US is number one, with the current number being 58 million people. Right after the US, the market leaders in the number of active gamblers are Germany and the United Kingdom with 29 million, and close enough stands France with active gamblers amounting to 27 million people. 

 

Gambling Industry News also divided the main motivations behind gambling among surveyed individuals. As the results show, 48% gamble for winning money, 35% for the excitement, while 33% claim it makes sports more interesting. 

 

The research also revealed interesting statistics on the frequency of betting around the world. According to the results, 7% of bettors place bets every day, 19% a few times a week, 13% once a week, 18% a few times a month, 8% once a month, 14% a few times a year, 5% once a year, and 16% less than once a year.

 

Regulatory Trends and Challenges

The iGaming industry continues to grow globally, and several regulatory trends and challenges are emerging in 2025. These trends shape the industry and influence how operators, regulators, and consumers interact with sports betting. 

 

One of the key trends is the increased regulation of online sports and mobile sports betting. As these industries continue to grow, regulators are imposing stricter rules to ensure consumer protection, prevent underage gambling, and combat fraud. The primary challenge this trend presents is balancing innovation and user experience with regulatory compliance. Operators may face higher compliance costs, while regulators must adapt to rapidly evolving technology. For instance, with the legalization of online gambling in Brazil, operators are now required to pay a mandatory licensing fee of approximately $5 million.

 

Another significant regulatory trend is the growing focus on data privacy and integrity. According to the International Association of Gaming Regulators, the rise of data-driven betting, such as live betting and AI-powered odds, will likely push regulators to prioritize the privacy of user data and the integrity of data sources. This includes regulating third-party data providers and preventing the misuse of personal information. Operators must navigate complex data protection laws, such as the GDPR in Europe, while maintaining transparency with users. At the same time, regulators will need to keep pace with technological advancements to enforce effective oversight.

 

Responsible Gambling Initiatives

The growth of the iGaming industry also triggered the spread of the idea of “sustainable or responsible gambling.” Key initiatives and trends shaping responsible gambling in 2025 include: 

 

• Ethical marketing practices. Responsible marketing strategies are being implemented to prevent targeting vulnerable populations. In some countries, such as the UK, Italy, and Spain, gambling advertising has faced stricter regulations. 

• Ban on advertising. Some countries went even further and banned advertising for gambling entirely. For example, Italy banned gambling advertising across all media platforms in 2018 by implementing a legislative measure “The Dignity Decree.”  

• Proactive customer support. Operators are enhancing customer support by conducting proactive outreach calls to players who may exhibit signs of problematic gambling behavior. 

• Focus on public awareness is one of the primary focuses of responsible gambling initiatives. Raising public awareness of risks associated with the industry is crucial in promoting responsible gambling habits. 

• Blockchain technology is increasingly adopted to foster transparency and fair play as the transaction records and game outcomes are immutable once created. 

 

Other initiatives promoting responsible gambling include enhanced age verification methods and improved spending limits for controlled betting. 

 

Predictions for the Future

When it comes to predictions for the future of sports betting, there is definite anticipation of online betting market acceleration; according to Drive Research, 3 in 4 sports bettors prefer making wagers online or via a mobile app, which amounts to 75% of bettors. 

 

Besides growth in mobile and online betting, another prediction for the future is increased utilization of big data and AI. The vast amount of data generated during sports events provides valuable insights into the game and player performance, allowing bettors to make more likely-to-succeed bets. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will continue to revolutionize sports betting by enabling highly accurate odds calculation and predictive analytics. 

Live streaming technology in sports betting is also gaining significant popularity and is anticipated to grow in demand throughout the following years. Advanced data visualization tools will provide real-time insights into player performance, game statistics, and odds fluctuations, empowering bettors to make more informed decisions. This ultimately will enhance trust and attract more active users. 

 

When addressing the future of the industry it’s crucial to mention blockchain technology, which will gain more traction in sports betting by offering transparent and immutable records of transactions and game outcomes. Overall, the use of cryptocurrencies will become more prevalent in sports betting. Cryptocurrencies offer faster and more secure transactions compared to traditional payment methods. Besides enhanced speed, transactions with crypto improve privacy, as the decentralized network offers anonymity. One more benefit cryptocurrencies offer for bettors and operators worldwide include lower fees as these eliminate the need for intermediaries. 

 

Conclusion

Technological advancements, shifts in consumer preferences, and evolving regulatory frameworks are driving significant changes. 

 

Realizing the future growth predictions regarding the sports betting market, it’s essential to embrace innovation, prioritize accurate data for bettors, and foster a transparent betting environment. 

 

With extensive experience in the sports betting industry, FeedConstruct offers a unique solution for operators to efficiently navigate the evolving market and continuously meet demand. 

 

Our Odds Feed solution offers rich, accurate, and reliable data, empowering operators and bettors to drive growth and get the best results. Odds Feed features over 90,000 live matches per month, as well as 140,000+ pre-match events a month in over 2000+ off-markets. If you are looking for a solution to minimize risks and prevent fraud you can choose BetGuard which is a unique combination of our Odds Feed with advanced Risk Management service. BetGuard helps operators ensure smooth, secure and flexible operations. 

 

Live Scouting Data provides real-time, on-the-ground insights that help traders to set reliable odds. With instant updates on match actions, our data allows traders to accurately adjust odds and improve risk management. We provide operators with a competitive edge, allowing them to stay ahead of the market and maximize profits. 

 

Furthermore, our high-quality Live Streaming service delivers immersive and engaging viewing experiences, allowing bettors to feel closer to the action and enhancing their overall betting journey.

 

Ultimately, FeedConstruct empowers operators to deliver a superior betting experience to their customers, driving engagement, loyalty, and sustainable growth.