The Most Popular Sports Tournaments for Betting in Europe

Sports betting in Europe is really exciting. This is because there are many events across multiple sports that fans and punters alike can enjoy. From football games that billions of people around the world watch to tennis matches that hit record-breaking betting volumes to the Kentucky Derby, the Grand National Horse Races, rugby and more, the world of sports betting in Europe has something for everyone. 

Millions of Euros worth of wagers are placed on several events and esports in the continent. Those interested in wagering can follow the action on TV or check online sportsbooks to see betting opportunities they can take advantage of. That said, football is the major draw on the continent and the matches usually draw millions of viewers every weekend. The acceptance that football commands means many Europeans would want to stake on the outcome of the matches. 

However, for anyone thinking of going that route, the first thing to note is the need to commit to research. According to Kate Richardson, a betting expert, wagerers who want success must be ready to analyze a truckload of data from past and recent events before making forecasts on football-related contests. Experts also recommend checking reviews, guides and resources that provide soccer betting tips that have been vetted.

The rest of the post looks at seven sports competitions that attract the most wagering activities across bookies operating in Europe and other continents.

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7 Biggest Events for Sports Betting at European Sportsbooks

Europe is a place where you'd find some of the best events in the sports betting market. These events are special because they attract millions of viewers and command significant wagering actions. And you know what? Some of them are even more popular than big US sports events like the Super Bowl or March Madness.

While sports fans that reside in the US love placing bets on the NFL, NHL, and college basketball, those in Europe can bet on events that lead all viewership statistics across the world. Here are seven of these events that you won't just find gracing your TV screens but host uncountable markets at bookmakers that are operating within Europe.

1. UEFA Champions League: The King of Football Betting

Neymar once said: “I believe the Champions League has all that magic because it gathers all the best European teams, and that gives you the feeling of trying to be the best...” 

If Neymar, one of the finest footballers in world football could say this, best believe that the competition is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports events in the world. 

Every year, the top teams in European football compete in this prestigious men's tournament. Due to the competition involved in the UCL, you'll discover that there are a lot of betting opportunities linked to it. The tournament starts in September and continues until May the following year. This timeline is quite vast, allowing sports bettors to place wagers on their favorite teams.

DID YOU KNOW: Real Madrid is the most successful team in the UCL. They've won the tournament a mind-blowing 15 times. AC Milan comes in at a close second with seven UCL tournament victories.

2. The FIFA World Cup: The Biggest Sporting Event Globally

Coming in at number two is the FIFA World Cup. This football tournament is revered among fans all over the world because it happens once in four years. And when it starts, it automatically becomes the biggest event in the betting industry.

The 2022 edition held in Qatar showed how popular this competition is. For context, the final ranked as the most-watched event in the tournament’s history with 1.5 billion viewers. These numbers surpassed the 1.12 billion on the previous edition's final match. 

The World Cup is great because it sees national teams from different continents compete. The American Gaming Association has also said that this competition has gained a lot of betting traction in the United States. According to the AGA, 20.5 million Americans were set to wager a total of $1.8 billion on the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This is interesting because in the United States, soccer isn't the top sport.

3. English Premier League: The Most Competitive Domestic League

The English Premier League is a popular football league to stake on in Europe. League matches start in August and run through to May of the next year. As such, speculators are guaranteed action all through the year.

At most European bookmakers, you'd find out that matches in the EPL usually have more markets than other leagues. Besides staking money on who wins, you can also wager on what team will have the most corners, or if a star-studded player will score a hat-trick. The EPL is one of the biggest betting events at these bookies because it commands sky-high betting volumes and has millions of viewers across every continent.

4. La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A: Top Domestic Leagues With Strong Betting Interest

While the EPL tops the popularity charts when it comes to the most revered domestic football league, there are other competitions that create the biggest moments in the world of soccer and sports wagering as a whole. 

These tournaments include the La Liga (Spain), Bundesliga (Germany), and Serie A (Italy). You could think of each of them as the National Football League in America because they're the main sporting contest in their individual countries. 

Some punters prefer staking on La Liga fixtures because of the competence of the participating teams, while others might decide to bet on Bundesliga and Serie A matches because they usually have a lot of goals.

5. ATP and WTP Tours: Tennis as a Favorite for Live Betting

While football might make headlines in the iGaming industry, tennis is another sport that's gaining traction among European punters. The ATP (men) and WTA (women) happen all through the year. As such, you'll find different tournaments happening on a weekly basis. 

Tennis betting is unique because events happen most of the time and many points get scored in-between sets. As such, it's great for those who want to place bets while they watch the match unfold in real-time. And since it isn't a team sport such as football, tennis matches are between two players. This structure makes it easier for newbies to understand.

6. EuroLeague Basketball: The Premier Continental Basketball Competition

The NBA is the biggest basketball competition in the United States of America. But note that Europe has its own prestigious basketball tournament. In the EuroLeague, you'll find some of the best basketball teams in the continent. Many of the teams in the league feature players that once graced NBA courts. As such, the competition is tight.

Just like tennis, basketball is also great for live betting. This is because matches happen quickly and points are scored like no man's business. Additionally, competitions like the EuroLeague also boast numerous betting markets, making it perfect for those who want to diversify their wagers.

7. Formula 1: High-Speed Betting on Every Grand Prix

It was Aryton Senna who said: “And so you touch this limit, something happens and you suddenly can go a little bit further. With your mind power, your determination, your instinct, and the experience as well, you can fly very high.” 

This statement speaks to the adrenaline rush that you'll find in Formula 1 races. 

F1 has Grand Prixes that occur all over the world. What makes this sport special is that speed and strategy are components that can either make or destroy a driver's race. And at European betting sites, you'll be able to put your money on the race winner, the number of times a driver will put, who will get the fastest lap, and the individual that'll receive the “Driver of the Day” award. This is why many gamble on the events across the continent of Europe.

Conclusion

European sports wagering is great due to the variety it provides. From the UCL and the English Premier League to the EuroLeague Basketball and Formula 1, you'll find something to stake on all year long. Markets also exist in college football, cricket, and other niche sports. It doesn't matter if you're a casual punter or seasoned bettor — these events make the world of gaming exciting.

The article was provided by Kate Richardson.

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!