10 Most Bet on Sports in the US in 2025

Sports betting has become huge in the United States since legalization spread across the country. Fans will not only watch games, they’ll put money on them, tracking the odds in real time as part of the experience. Not all sports are made equal, though. As some dominate because of tradition or sheer entertainment value, others aren’t as popular any more, thanks to technology and global exposure.

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Technology Making Betting Easier

While some still prefer placing bets in person at games, many now turn to online sports betting platforms. With resources like EsportsInsider, they can see the full guide to the best betting sites in the country, featuring competitive odds and attractive bonuses. While some still prefer placing bets in person at games, most bettors now use online platforms, especially in the US, where major leagues like the NFL dominate betting activity. 

1. NFL: The Betting King

Talk about consistent! The NFL remains at the top of the U.S. betting food chain. Legal sportsbooks are expected to take in around $30 billion in bets this season, up from $27.6 billion the year before. The Super Bowl alone pulled in over $1.3 billion in bets. There’s no argument there; Americans love putting money on football Sundays. Because of its massive fan base, the high-profile games, and endless props, the NFL continues to be a favorite when it comes to betting throughout the country.

2. College Football

Right behind the NFL is college football. While it doesn’t match professional football in raw dollars, there is a lot of passion around the sport. Rivalry games, conference showdowns, and bowl season continue to be a hub of betting activity. Super conferences like the SEC and Big Ten have contributed to making college football an even bigger draw for both casual and serious bettors.

3. The NBA

Basketball has carved out a special place in the U.S. betting market, and the NBA is right at the center of it. Surveys suggest that nearly 40% of U.S. adults who place bets do so on basketball. The season is long, so there’s always action to be found and a variety of bets that can be placed depending on the bettor’s preference. Playoffs, in particular, send betting volume through the roof as fans scramble to support their favorite teams and their beloved players.

4. College Basketball

If there’s one betting event that rivals the Super Bowl in cultural impact, it’s March Madness. Every March, Americans pour billions of dollars into NCAA basketball wagers. Bracket pools alone involve tens of millions of people, while sportsbooks handle an estimated $3 billion during the tournament. The unpredictability of upsets, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories makes March Madness one of the most thrilling times of the betting year.

5. Major League Baseball

Baseball doesn’t generate the kind of hype that football or basketball does, but it does offer something unique - volume. With 162 games per team in the regular season, Major League Baseball provides an endless stream of betting opportunities. Bettors gravitate toward pitcher matchups, advanced stats, and moneyline plays. The slow pace of the sport also makes it perfect for in-play betting, where odds shift inning by inning.

6. National Hockey League

Hockey holds a steady spot in the U.S. betting hierarchy. The regular season offers consistent action, but the sport’s true betting explosion happens during the playoffs. The Stanley Cup chase draws lots of money on puck lines, totals, and goalie duels. Bettors who thrive on intensity and unpredictability love the NHL postseason, where overtime thrillers and Game 7 matchups can swing fortunes overnight.

7. Soccer

Soccer isn’t as popular in the U.S., yet it has been climbing the ranks of local sports betting. Major League Soccer has grown in popularity, but the real betting draw comes from international competitions. The English Premier League, Champions League, and La Liga are all big moneymakers in betting circles. Now with the U.S. hosting the 2025 Club World Cup, the sport’s popularity in the country is pretty high. With matches available nearly every day across the globe, soccer offers American bettors a constant stream of markets to explore.

8. Tennis

Tennis has quietly established itself as one of the most consistent sports for bettors. The global calendar ensures there’s always a tournament happening, from Grand Slams to ATP and WTA events. Bettors enjoy the individual nature of the sport, where analyzing form, surfaces, and head-to-head records can reveal sharp edges. Streaming accessibility has also made tennis matches easier to follow, keeping fans engaged and active in wagering year-round.

9. eSports

Esports betting has gone from niche to mainstream. The global esports betting market is expected to exceed $12 billion, and the U.S. is part of that growth. Games like Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and Dota 2 are the big drivers, especially among younger bettors who are digital natives. Esports fits seamlessly into the modern betting landscape with its constant tournaments, live streams, and interactive viewing experience.

10. Table Tennis and Horse Racing

Two surprising but steady players round out the top ten. Table tennis, thanks to its fast pace and back-to-back matches, has quietly become one of the most bet-on sports globally. Its nonstop schedule appeals to bettors who want quick action and frequent outcomes. Horse racing, on the other hand, remains a classic. While its betting volume outside major events has cooled compared to the past, the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes still draw massive wagering attention each year.

Conclusion

The U.S. betting market is more diverse now than it has ever been. Football still sits on top, with the NFL making unmatched amounts of money and attention, but basketball, baseball, and hockey are all pretty solid contenders. Soccer and tennis continue to gain momentum thanks to their global reach, while esports and table tennis are proving that new and unconventional betting markets can thrive. American bettors now have endless opportunities to stay in the action.

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!