Knowing which sports to bet on is one of the most effective ways to make profits from gambling. Although there are various reasons we bet on sports, the main reason remains to make money. Let’s face it, making a profit through sports betting isn’t a walk in the park. Most of us have accepted that reality and are thus content with viewing sports betting as a recreational pursuit, a means to escape the daily rigors of life.
Below, I’ve ranked the top 10 sports to bet on. These sports have been selected not only for their sheer excitement but also for their ability to present opportunities for bettors to capitalize on their knowledge and insights.
1.     Football
Betting is what elevates football to the status of the most-watched sport in the United States, with an average of nearly $100 billion in wagers on American football yearly.
Whether it’s NFL or college football, one of the most captivating aspects of betting on football is the multitude of games taking place simultaneously. You’ll find yourself watching one game on TV while keeping a vigilant eye on your phone, computer, or tablet, monitoring the scores of other ongoing contests.
With such an enormous betting interest in football, oddsmakers consistently excel at setting point spreads that are challenging to conquer. This only enhances the thrill of trying to outsmart them.
2.     Basketball
Fast-paced, high-scoring, and full of back-and-forth action—what more could you ask for from a betting perspective?
Although parity can be a concern in basketball, particularly in the NBA, point spreads come to the rescue. Many times, the outcome of a point-spread bet hinges on the final moments of a game, maintaining suspense throughout the entire contest.
Basketball games open numerous possibilities for live betting lines. Â This mechanism levels the playing field, enabling bettors to engage with even the most lopsided matchups. In fact, many point-spread bets are determined in the waning moments of a game, infusing every second of play with suspense. It’s the kind of anticipation that keeps fans on the edge of their seats, regardless of which team they support.
3.     Baseball
Betting on baseball is practically a necessity for those seeking action during the summer months when other major professional sports are in their offseason. Baseball betting offers a tremendous amount of excitement. There can be 16 games you can bet on in a day or even more (counting doubleheaders) and weekday afternoon contests during the summer. This means baseball offers enough opportunities for wagering.
Moreover, betting lines in baseball are heavily influenced by the daily pitching matchups, which can vary significantly from one day to the next. This variability adds another layer of intrigue, as bettors must navigate the intricacies of pitching duels and offensive prowess when making their wagers.
4.     Soccer
Soccer stands as the world’s most popular sport for betting, underscoring the fact that the beautiful game becomes even more enchanting when wagers are involved. While low-scoring, soccer leaves room for major upsets, and the scarcity of goals makes each score all the more meaningful and thrilling.
You don’t even need goals to win your bets. Soccer offers a wide array of wagering options, including bets on the number of cards issued, corner kicks, and more. In this sport, you may not even mind if the match ends in a goalless draw.
5.     MMA/Boxing
In mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing, you never know the outcome of your bet until the final bell rings, as things can change in the blink of an eye.
In sports like soccer and basketball, a significant favorite can establish a great lead and cruise to victory, often diminishing the need to watch the rest of the game. However, in MMA and boxing, no lead is safe, thanks to the potential for a knockout blow.
Suppose wagering on the winner isn’t sufficient. In that case, you can also bet on the method of victory (knockout, submission, or judge’s decision), the Over/Under on the number of rounds, a points handicap, and more. Another great aspect of MMA and boxing is the abundance of fights on the card, allowing you to bet on match after match throughout the night.
John Ford has been writing online gambling content for over 18 years. Born and raised in the heart of the Short Pump, Virginia, John’s journey through the casino industry began on the casino floor itself. He started as a dealer in various games, including blackjack, poker, and baccarat, cultivating an understanding that only hands-on experience can provide. John’s passion for writing casino guides stems from his casino experience and his passion for helping fellow punters. His articles are more than reviews; they are narratives that guide both novices and seasoned players through the labyrinth of online casinos.
