Sports betting has become a central part of the UK’s sporting culture. It’s a pastime enjoyed by millions, with fans across the country regularly placing bets on a wide range of sports. Whether through traditional bookmakers or online platforms, sports betting is firmly embedded in British life.
The UK Sports Betting Market
According to a report by Technavio, the UK gambling market is projected to grow by approximately £2.84 billion ($3.51 billion) from 2025 to 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during this period. This growth is largely driven by the increasing adoption of online gambling platforms and the integration of technologies like artificial intelligence.
Gambling editor for Techopedia, Raymond Van Wyk, says that expert-reviewed UK bookmakers tend to offer a wider range of betting markets, from popular sporting events like the Premier League to more niche sporting tournaments like volleyball. These online betting platforms cater to player preferences, offering bonuses and promotions and, most importantly, competitive odds.
By 2024, online sports betting had firmly established itself as one of the UK’s top gambling activities. Data from the Gambling Commission shows that between April and June 2024, the online gambling sector experienced significant growth, with gross gambling yield increasing by 12% compared to 2023, reaching £1.46 billion. Live event betting, which covers sports-related wagers, played a key role in this jump, recording a 16% year-on-year increase. These figures highlight the increasing popularity and broadening appeal of online sports betting across the UK.
What Sport is Most Bet on in the UK?
Football
Football clearly leads the pack in sports betting, accounting for 46.1% of gross gambling yield (GGY) from remote betting. Bettors often go for match result bets, both teams to score, and correct score predictions. The sport’s non-stop media coverage and the sheer energy surrounding each match elevate football to the top, not just in the UK, but globally.
Horse Racing
With deep roots in British culture, horse racing continues to hold a strong place in the betting world, contributing 32.4% to the GGY. Major horse racing events like the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, and Royal Ascot attract large betting numbers year after year. And with races happening regularly, punters are never short on options.
Tennis
Tennis betting surges during the Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open. Bettors typically wager on match and set winners, ace counts, or even specific moments within games.
Cricket
Cricket enjoys solid betting interest, especially during marquee matchups like The Ashes and the Cricket World Cup. Common bets include predicting the match winner, top run scorer, or the number of wickets taken by standout players.
Rugby
Both Rugby Union and Rugby League hold steady betting appeal in the UK. Events like the Six Nations, the Rugby World Cup, and the Premiership Rugby season offer consistent betting opportunities. Bettors focus on match results, points spread, and individual player stats.
Golf
Golf attracts significant attention from bettors, especially during tournaments like the Open Championship, the Ryder Cup, and The Masters. These prestigious events feature world-class talent but also provide several betting opportunities. The most common golf bets include predicting the winner and placing bets on head-to-head matchups and specific players. The mental appeal of golf and betting on the sport comes down to a combination of skill and strategy.
Why Online Betting Is So Popular in the UK
Online sports betting has become a key driver behind the rise of betting culture in the UK. With a wealth of digital platforms available, placing a wager has never been more straightforward. Whether it’s a Premier League match or a niche sporting event, bettors can access a huge range of options right from their phones or computers.
One of the UK’s strengths is its strict regulation of the betting industry, which helps ensure these online platforms remain safe, secure, and credible. That trust factor goes a long way in encouraging users to engage more freely with online services.
The convenience of betting on the go, due to mobile apps and responsive websites, adds another layer of appeal. Real-time stats and live betting features bring added excitement, allowing fans to get involved as the action unfolds.
The UK’s deep-rooted passion for sports, paired with the ability to bet on just about anything, from football to darts, keeps interest high. Add to that the frequent bonuses and promotions aimed at both newcomers and loyal players, and it’s clear why online betting continues to thrive.
