Sports betting is a popular hobby that bettors in the UK and beyond have enjoyed for centuries. Thanks to modern solutions of online betting platforms, it is more widely available than ever before – but how does it actually work in other countries? Here we compare the betting scene of the UK to some other areas around the world.
Sports Betting in the Scandinavia
Scandinavia shares many similarities to the UK, with a rich sports culture and interest in Norway, Sweden and Denmark alike. But when it comes to betting, the area has some significant differences.
First up, Norway operates under a government-controlled model for sports betting, with Norsk Tipping being the only legally authorized operator in the country. This state-run monopoly is designed to promote responsible gambling. However, it also comes with some cons as the lack of competition results in a less attractive offering compared to many other countries. Therefore, many Norwegian bettors choose to turn to offshore-based platforms to find a better alternative. (Source: https://sikrebettingsider.com/) These sites also offer more payment options, fewer restrictions, and greater privacy compared to locally regulated alternatives.
Sweden, on the other hand, has undergone significant regulatory changes in recent years. In 2019, the Swedish government opened up the sports betting market to international operators by establishing a licensing system for both domestic and foreign operators. This move allowed Sweden to regulate and tax the betting industry while also promoting responsible gambling practices. The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) oversees the industry, ensuring that all operators comply with local regulations.
Finally, Denmark has a more open approach to sports betting. The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) regulates the industry, and the Danish market is open to both domestic and international operators who meet licensing requirements. Denmark’s betting market is highly competitive, with several well-established betting brands offering a wide variety of sports for bettors to choose from.
For all Scandinavian countries, sports such as football, ice hockey, handball and winter sports dominate the scene, with both local and international tournaments sparking interest in the small northern populations.
Sports Betting in the United States
In the United States, sports betting has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Prior to 2018, sports betting was largely restricted to Nevada, but the landmark Supreme Court decision in 2018 (Murphy v. NCAA) overturned the federal ban on sports betting, allowing individual states to regulate the industry. As a result, sports betting is now legal in over 30 states, with many others expected to follow suit. Each state has its own regulatory framework, which has created a patchwork of laws across the country.
The popularity of sports betting in the U.S. is immense, driven by the sheer size of the sports industry. American football is by far the most bet-on sport, with the NFL and college football attracting massive amounts of wagering, especially around events like the Super Bowl. Other popular sports for betting include basketball (especially the NBA), baseball (MLB), and increasingly, esports.
Sports Betting in the UK
If we now turn back to ourselves, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is responsible for overseeing all gambling activities, ensuring that both land-based and online betting are conducted fairly and responsibly.
The Gambling Act of 2005, which was updated in 2014, is the key piece of legislation governing sports betting in the UK, and it requires operators to obtain a license if they wish to offer services to British customers.
Football is by far the most popular sport, with major leagues like the English Premier League drawing significant betting interest. Horse racing also plays a central role in UK betting culture, with iconic events like the Grand National being heavily wagered upon each year. But other sports such as tennis, rugby and cricket also receive substantial attention from punters.
