There’s a wide range of sporting options available to sports fans looking to place bets. Avid followers of specific sports will always have the best chances of long-term success by using their knowledge of teams, players, and statistical data. Hence, understanding the different types of sports where you can bet on different markets is a useful starting point for any bettor looking to grow a positive betting account balance.
On this page, we’ll lay out an in-depth list of individual sports that offer betting opportunities.
Punters who have traditionally bet with FIAT currencies will already know that odds and betting markets are available on the full range of sports. With a growing number of reliable cryptocurrency bookmakers and sportsbooks, that full range of betting options is widely available, too.
The first entries in the list all cover the most popular sports worldwide. Further on, we cover the categories that these sports mainly fall under, from Leagues and Tournaments through to major events such as the Olympics and high-profile individual categories such as American College Sports. To round off, we’ll list the lesser-followed sports where some bettors can use focused, in-depth knowledge to take advantage of valuable betting opportunities.
What are the most popular crypto betting sports?
The most popular sports for crypto betting purposes vary depending on geographical regions.
In the UK and across much of Europe, the main focus for sports bettors will always be on football (soccer), tennis, and golf.
In the UK and Ireland, you can add horse racing to the mix. Horse racing is also wildly popular in Australia and Asia-region countries like Hong Kong. Of course, Australians have their own version of football known as Australian Rules, but Aussies will always be drawn primarily to horse racing and cricket. Table tennis betting is perhaps surprisingly followed widely in Asia
In the US, it’s team sports like American Football, baseball, basketball, and hockey that get the most attention. The most popular and heavily bet-on professional leagues for these sports – NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL – form the backbone of North American sports betting. Options for betting on games in these leagues form the core part of any US-facing sportsbook’s markets. US college sports attract huge betting interest alongside the professional leagues. Basketball also has a wide following in the Far East.
Esports attracts global interest – betting on video games has seen exponential growth in recent years.
Followers of all these sports are often attracted to other forms of betting, such as fantasy sports, where you draft fantasy teams based on real-life players you believe will perform well and score points.
Let’s have a look at the sports individually.
Football
Football is deeply embedded in the culture of many global regions, from the UK to Europe and South America, so it’s no surprise that soccer betting stands as the most popular form of sports betting by a significant margin.
While the Premier League remains the prime focus for fans, traditional tournament events like the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League draw significant betting interest.
International tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro Championship, expand football’s betting appeal beyond regular club punters. During the most recent World Cup, sites like Bloomberg reported a collective total of $35 billion wagered on matches across the event. Figures for betting volumes worldwide across all matches showcase the sport’s unparalleled ability to captivate even casual gamblers during major global events.
Given its popularity as a betting and a followed sport, many bettors place bets based on their emotional attachment to a supported club. This form of emotional betting can open good opportunities for astute punters.
Tennis
Tennis offers unparalleled betting opportunities thanks to its nearly year-round tournament schedule and widespread international following. With events like Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open captivating fans globally, tennis has emerged as one of the most popular sports for bettors worldwide.
Unlike some other major sports, tennis matches take place nearly every week all year round, providing consistent opportunities for both casual and serious bettors to place wagers.
Tennis betting’s rise is largely fueled by in-game betting. Indeed, more than 80% of tennis bets are placed while matches are in progress. Live betting is especially appealing to fans who enjoy fast-paced, dynamic betting environments.
Punters who can understand player form, head-to-head records, and surface preferences have enhanced prospects of successful betting outcomes.
Horse Racing
From the UK and Ireland to France, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United States, horse racing takes a lofty position as one of the most followed and wagered on sports.
Betting on horse races has a lengthy history, with some races, racetracks, and horses holding a special place in punter’s hearts.
The excitement generated when your horse is jumping the last fence a few lengths clear, or entering the final furlong of a flat race, is unrivalled. And there are plenty of opportunities for that excitement with a myriad of betting markets across many races each day across the world.
Horse racing betting, while unpredictable in the extreme at times, gives many ways for a knowledgeable race fan to place winning bets. Know your horses, know your races, know your racetracks, know the trainers and jockeys, and you’ve started building a foundation for a long and fruitful, fully invested future in following the sport and its greats.
Cricket
Cricket is not only one of the most popular sports globally, but it also boasts a massive betting market, fueled by 2.5 billion fans. Cricket secures second place in betting markets due in large part to its overwhelming fanbase in India, a nation of 1.393 billion people.
Besides India, cricket enjoys fervent support in countries like the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Australia, and South Africa, expanding its influence far beyond South Asia.
The rise of betting on cricket parallels its global reach. With the immense popularity of tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL)—one of the world’s most-watched events—cricket has established itself as a significant sport in betting markets. The IPL, along with other major events like the ICC World Cup and the T20 World Cup, contributes to the billions of dollars wagered on the sport annually.
Bettors can place wagers on match outcomes, individual player performances, and even in-game events like the number of sixes or wickets. There are endless betting opportunities thanks to the international and domestic tournaments running every month throughout the year.
As technological innovations and new payment systems continue to evolve, cricket betting is positioned for even greater growth. The sport’s simplicity, vast betting markets, and exciting tournament calendar make it an excellent choice for both casual bettors and seasoned pros.
Golf
Major golf tournaments like the Masters, PGA Championship, and Ryder Cup have been centre-stage in golf betting’s growth. With an estimated 66.6 million golfers worldwide and hundreds of millions of viewers, the sport has become a key market for bettors.
Golf’s unique structure, offering numerous betting markets like outright winners, top 5 or 10 finishes, and prop bets (such as total birdies or eagles), provides fans with a variety of options you won’t find in other sports.
With global tournaments broadcast live, betting on golf enhances fan engagement, adding excitement to every hole and shot.
While golf may not rival football in terms of total bets placed, its betting market is rapidly growing, with over $4.5 billion in annual revenue in the U.S. alone. The sport’s appeal to both casual and serious bettors continues to rise, offering vast potential for future market expansion.
Basketball
Basketball betting is naturally popular across the US, where bettors have a deep interest in NBA games, but there is an extensive reach with many global followers.
The game offers an exciting way for fans to engage through a variety of betting options. From predicting game winners with moneyline bets to wagering on player performance, the dynamic nature of basketball provides endless opportunities for wagers.
All of the usual betting markets are available, from Moneyline and point spreads through to over/under, prop bets, and parlays.
Basketball’s high-scoring nature and continuous action make it particularly attractive for live betting, where odds shift in real-time as the game progresses. This fast-paced betting environment, coupled with a range of strategic bet types, keeps anyone with money invested engaged while hoping for that lucrative win.
American Football
American football remains the most popular sport in the U.S., and with it comes a thriving NFL betting market. With the expansion of legal sports betting following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling, wagering on NFL games has surged.
NFL betting offers diverse options, including moneyline bets (predicting the winner), point spreads (handicap bets to balance teams), and over/under (total points scored). These markets keep fans engaged with plenty of opportunities to profit.
The NFL is packed with statistics that bettors can use to make informed decisions. From player performance to team match-ups, bettors can analyze data to enhance their odds of success.
Betting also increases engagement and viewership: Bettors are more likely to watch games they have money on. Studies show that two-thirds of mobile sports bettors say they watch the NFL more often when betting, driving up viewership and fan engagement.
Betting activity peaks during the NFL postseason and Super Bowl, where fans worldwide place bets on teams, individual performances, and in-game events.
Baseball
In recent years, Major League Baseball (MLB) betting has skyrocketed, reshaping fan engagement and becoming a crucial part of the sport’s economic ecosystem.
From moneyline bets (predicting the game’s winner) to prop bets (for example, individual player performance), the range of options for baseball betting keeps bettors engaged all season long.
Baseball is a stat-heavy sport, and fans use advanced analytics to make informed betting decisions. This makes MLB especially appealing to analytical bettors seeking to leverage data for success. High-stakes playoff games add to the betting opportunities.
In the US, where baseball is at its most popular, sponsorships and partnerships play a big part in the game’s continuing success. MLB has inked deals with major betting platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, integrating betting directly into broadcasts and digital content.
Partnerships such as this have opened up new revenue streams, boosting the league’s profitability and creating deeper fan engagement.
Esports
It’s not taken long for Esports betting to explode in popularity, transitioning from a niche market to a mainstream activity in a relatively short timeframe.
With esports tournaments like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike attracting millions of viewers, the betting landscape has followed suit. Projections estimate that the global esports betting market will reach $35.56 billion by 2031, signalling its entrenched position in modern betting culture.
The rise of live streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming allows fans to watch esports events in real-time, driving more engagement and betting opportunities.
Diverse betting options increase the interest for Esports followers with markets that cover more than just match outcomes and include in-game events, player performances, and even fantasy leagues.
While many sports can attract an older demographic, Esports betting attracts a younger, tech-savvy following that’s familiar with digital platforms and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, offering faster transactions and enhanced security.
As the esports industry continues to grow, so does its betting market. Esports betting platforms are incorporating advanced features like live betting, data analytics, and blockchain technologies, making the experience more immersive and secure. The global expansion of esports, especially in regions like Asia and North America, points to a bright future for esports betting.
American College Sports Betting
American college sports hold a special place in the nation’s culture, captivating millions of fans every season. Its popularity is deeply rooted in community spirit, historic rivalries, and the development of future sports talent.
College sports are more than just games – they create a legacy that unites generations of students, alumni, and local communities.
College sports betting can be furious, with historic matchups like Yale vs. Princeton sparking intense excitement and school pride.
College football offers young athletes scholarships and opportunities to transition into professional sports, producing NFL stars.
Extensive broadcasting rights make college football accessible to a nationwide audience, generating revenue for universities.
College games drive local economies, with fans supporting nearby businesses, from restaurants to hotels.
Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports betting surged in popularity over the last 10 years. Players manage virtual teams of real athletes and compete based on their actual game performance. This mix of strategy, sports knowledge, and competition makes it an engaging experience for fans of multiple sports worldwide.
Unlike traditional sports betting, fantasy leagues allow participants to influence outcomes over a specific timeframe such as an entire season or even as little as a week, creating a personal connection and long-term involvement.
Fantasy sports players act as managers, drafting players, setting lineups, and making trades, offering a hands-on experience that goes beyond simply betting on a single match.
Millions of users in the US regularly draft teams focusing on NFL, NBA, and MLB leagues. But fantasy sports has followers worldwide, too.
Participants continuously analyze player stats, injuries, and performance trends, creating a dynamic environment where both skill and luck are tested. Betting on player performance throughout a season requires in-depth planning and sustained management, making it a more immersive experience than traditional sports betting
Fantasy leagues encourage social interaction among friends, co-workers, and online communities, fostering engagement and trash talk throughout the season.
Second-Tier Sports Offering Crypto Betting Opportunities
Following on from the most popular sports for crypto betting, several other sports still have a following and are covered by most of the crypto sportsbooks and bookies. Let’s complete our list of the different sports with a look at those with lesser value betting markets:
Athletics
When you watch an Athlete explode from the blocks in an Olympic 100m final, you are witnessing the culmination of years of dedication. But for an informed analyst betting on athletics events, you are also watching a complex set of variables come into play.
To be a successful athletics bettor, you will need to learn how to distinguish between backing an Outright Winner in a futures market, find nuanced value in a Head-to-Head (H2H) matchup, and wager on pure data with Performance Props.
Aussie Rules Football
AFL provides one of the most dynamic and data-rich betting environments in sports. Our Aussie Rules Football betting guide trains you to analyze games professionally, uncovering value others miss.
Betting success comes from mastering core markets like H2H, line, Over/Under, and player props. Evaluating team form, game plans, injuries, and player stats will improve your edge, alongside learning how futures, venue, and weather influence match outcomes.
Badminton
Badminton betting is a fast-growing part of sports wagering, driven by BWF tournaments like the World Championships, Olympics, and All England Open. Top players such as SHI Yu Qi, AN Se Young, and Viktor Axelsen attract major bets. Asian markets lead in volume, with several crypto sportsbooks offering odds.
Badminton betting includes moneyline wagers, point totals, and handicap bets using a -1.5/+1.5 spread. Bettors can also place outright bets on tournament winners or engage in live betting during matches. The 1.5-game handicap is standard, as matches only end 2-0 or 2-1, helping balance odds between uneven opponents.
The best chances of success in badminton betting come from understanding player form, match dynamics, and tournament conditions. Use live betting to capitalize on momentum swings. Smaller betting pools offer value to bettors who research form, injuries, and surface effects. The sport’s complexity and global growth make it a rewarding market for strategic and real-time analysis.
Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball betting offers a fast-growing market shaped by athleticism, strategy, and outdoor conditions. Bettors place wagers on match outcomes using data like odds, player stats, and head-to-head records. Major events such as the Olympics and FIVB Beach Pro Tour drive interest in betting on beach volleyball markets. Success depends on analyzing team dynamics and adapting to unpredictable environments.
Boxing
Boxing betting is a major sports wagering market driven by high-stakes fights and global interest. Bettors place wagers on outcomes, prop bets, and live events using data like KO ratios, fighter styles, and reach. Success requires analyzing historical stats, training intel, and in-fight shifts. Bookmakers use algorithms to set odds, while bettors adapt to real-time developments through live platforms.
Cycling
Cycling betting revolves around data-driven markets focused on endurance, team strategy, and evolving race conditions. Bettors wager across road, track, and mountain biking events, including the Grand Tours and UCI World Tour.
Success requires analyzing odds, rider stats, team roles, weather, and rankings. Live platforms and real-time events create strategic betting opportunities during unpredictable races.
Darts
Darts betting is a fast-paced market driven by precision, psychology, and live data. Bettors wager on events like the PDC World Championship and Premier League, using stats such as 3-dart averages and checkout rates.
Placing winning bets depends on analyzing form, mental strength, and real-time trends. Prop bets, handicaps, and live odds adjustments create dynamic opportunities for strategic wagering on match outcomes.
Field Hockey
Field hockey betting is a fast-growing market centered on national and club matches. Bettors place wagers through online platforms on events like the FIH World Cup, Olympics, and Pro League. Success requires analyzing odds, team form, and player stats.
Bettors get the best chances of making a profit by using use props, totals, and live data to account for pitch, weather, and team cohesion in strategic decisions.
Greyhound Racing
Greyhound racing betting is a fast-paced market focused on predicting outcomes across fixed odds and tote-based formats. Bettors wager on events like the Greyhound Derby, using form guides, sectional times, and trap data. Success requires analyzing early pace, running style, draw bias, and track conditions. Forecast, tricast, and live betting create strategic opportunities.
Handball
Handball betting is a high-intensity market built around major events like the IHF World Championship and EHF Champions League. Bettors place wagers through online platforms using odds, team form, and player stats. Success requires analyzing shot efficiency, penalties, and defense, while factoring in injuries, fatigue, and home advantage for live and pre-match strategies.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey betting is a high-speed market centered on leagues like the NHL, KHL, and IIHF. Bettors place wagers on outcomes using odds, puckline handicaps, and live betting tools.
Success requires analyzing stats like GF/GA, SV%, special teams, and Corsi. Key factors in outcomes of matches include team form, travel fatigue, home advantage, and goaltender performance.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi betting is a growing niche in sports wagering, anchored by the Pro Kabaddi League and international events like the Kabaddi World Cup. Bettors use online platforms to wager on moneylines, totals, and props such as a raider achieving a Super 10 or a defender securing a High 5. Success requires analyzing stats like raid and tackle success rates, the impact of All Outs, and team balance while accounting for injuries and home advantage. Bookmakers rely on real-time data and algorithms to adjust odds, while strategies like managing do-or-die raids give bettors an edge.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse betting is a growing niche in sports wagering that spans field lacrosse in the PLL, box lacrosse in the NLL, and international events like the NCAA Championship and World Lacrosse Championship. Bettors use online platforms to wager on moneylines, totals, and prop bets such as player points or goalie save percentage. Success requires analyzing stats like face-off wins, man-up efficiency, and team form while accounting for injuries, roster depth, and home advantage. Bookmakers adjust live odds using real-time data and algorithms, while players, coaches, and governing bodies influence results. Historical data and tactical insights provide bettors with a strategic edge.
MMA
MMA betting is a fast-growing niche in sports wagering that focuses on UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship events. Bettors use online platforms to wager on moneylines, methods of victory, and prop bets like submissions or round outcomes.
Success requires analyzing fighter stats such as striking accuracy, takedown defense, and significant strikes per minute, while accounting for injuries, conditioning, and stylistic matchups.
Bookmakers rely on algorithms and live data to adjust odds, while commissions, referees, and judging criteria influence outcomes. Historical data, training camp insights, and tactical preparation provide bettors with a strategic edge in this unpredictable sport.
Motorsports
Betting on motorsports takes into a high-octane niche in sports wagering that spans F1, NASCAR, MotoGP, and endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Bettors use online platforms to wager on winners, podiums, and prop bets such as safety cars or fastest laps.
Success requires analyzing track conditions, pit strategies, equipment reliability, and grid position while accounting for weather, penalties, and team orders. Bookmakers rely on algorithms and real-time data to adjust odds, while drivers, teams, engineers, and governing bodies shape results. Attention to historical data, qualifying performance, and tire degradation insights can give bettors a strategic edge.
Netball
Netball betting is a vibrant niche in sports wagering that focuses on global tournaments like the Netball World Cup, Commonwealth Games, and top leagues such as Suncorp Super Netball and the Vitality Netball Superleague. Bettors use online platforms to wager on moneylines, totals, and live bets shaped by momentum and shooting accuracy.
Successful wagers come from analyzing team form, roster depth, and historical data while accounting for injuries, turnovers, and fatigue across four quarters.
Bookmakers rely on algorithms and granular stats such as intercepts and deflections to adjust odds. Players, coaches, and governing bodies influence outcomes, while chemistry and tactical adjustments provide a decisive edge.
Rugby
Rugby betting is a robust niche in sports wagering that covers Rugby Union, Rugby League, and Rugby Sevens. Bettors use online platforms to wager on international tests, Premiership matches, Super Rugby, and World Cup fixtures. Success requires analyzing team form, set piece dominance, discipline, and weather impacts while tracking live odds shaped by algorithms, injuries, and refereeing decisions. Bettors also explore prop bets such as first try scorer and total tries. Players, coaches, and governing bodies influence outcomes, while historical data and tactical insights provide a competitive edge.
Snooker
Snooker betting is a sophisticated niche in sports wagering that highlights Triple Crown events like the World Championship, The Masters, and the UK Championship. Bettors use online platforms to wager on winners, frame totals, and prop bets such as highest breaks or 147s. Success requires analyzing player form, break-building ability, and mental resilience while accounting for factors like concentration, safety play, and the Crucible Curse. Bookmakers rely on algorithms and real-time stats, including pot success rates, to adjust live odds. Players, referees, and organizers shape outcomes, while historical data and playing styles provide bettors with strategic insights.
Squash
Squash betting is a focused niche in sports wagering that highlights PSA World Championships, the British Open, and other top-tier tournaments. Bettors use online platforms to wager on winners, game totals, and prop bets like point handicaps or total points. Success requires analyzing player form, fitness, and head-to-head psychology while accounting for tactics, court conditions, and unforced errors. Bookmakers rely on algorithms and real-time stats such as shot accuracy and winners to adjust odds. Players, coaches, and referees influence outcomes, while mental resilience and court coverage efficiency remain decisive.
Table Tennis
Table tennis betting is a fast-paced niche in sports wagering that focuses on ITTF and WTT events like the Olympics, WTTC, and WTT Series. Bettors use online platforms to wager on winners, total games, and live bets shaped by momentum, serve quality, and consistency. Success requires analyzing player form, injuries, fatigue, and head-to-head psychology while accounting for playing styles and equipment choices. Bookmakers rely on algorithms and real-time stats such as points won, shot placement, and win rates against styles to adjust odds. Players, coaches, and umpires influence outcomes, while spin variation and tactical adjustments remain decisive.
Ten Pin Bowling
Ten pin bowling betting is a specialized niche in sports wagering that focuses on PBA Majors like the US Open and Tournament of Champions, along with the World Bowling Championships. Bettors use online platforms to wager on winners, total pins, and prop bets such as perfect games or strike percentage. Success requires analyzing player form, lane conditions, oil pattern transitions, and historical statistics while accounting for mental focus and equipment selection. Bookmakers rely on algorithms and real-time data to adjust live odds, while bowlers, coaches, and lane technicians all influence outcomes.
UFC
UFC betting is the leading niche in combat sports wagering, centered on UFC Pay-Per-View events and Fight Nights. Bettors use online platforms to wager on moneylines, victory methods, and prop bets such as KO/TKO finishes or performance bonuses. Success requires analyzing fighter statistics, conditioning, weight cut effects, and stylistic matchups while tracking live odds shaped by algorithms, momentum, and refereeing. Stakeholders like Dana White, matchmakers, and commissions influence the structure, while historical bout data, training camp insights, and analyst commentary give bettors the edge in this demanding market.
Volleyball
Volleyball betting is a dynamic niche in sports wagering that focuses on indoor competitions like the Olympics, FIVB World Championship, VNL, and CEV Champions League. Bettors use online platforms to wager on match winners, total points, and live bets shaped by momentum, rotations, and serve quality.
Success requires analyzing team form, injuries, roster depth, and historical data, while accounting for home advantage and fatigue. Bookmakers rely on algorithms and granular stats such as kill percentage, block points, and reception efficiency to adjust odds. Players, coaches, and governing bodies influence outcomes, while team chemistry and tactical shifts remain decisive
Water Polo
Water polo betting is a niche sport for betting that centers on elite competitions like the Olympics, World Aquatics Championships, and LEN Champions League. Bettors use online platforms to wager on match winners, total goals, and live bets shaped by real-time momentum, goalkeeper performance, and power play efficiency.
Success requires analyzing team form, injuries, roster depth, and historical data while accounting for home advantage and fatigue. Bookmakers rely on algorithms and granular stats such as defense efficiency, fouls, and shot accuracy to adjust odds. Coaches, players, and governing bodies influence outcomes, while team chemistry and tactical adjustments remain decisive.
Wrestling WWE
Wrestling betting is a specialized niche in sports wagering that centers on Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Folkstyle wrestling events, including the Olympics, World Championships, and NCAA tournaments. Bettors use online platforms to wager on match winners, total points, and prop bets such as technical falls or first points.
Successful bets on wrestling events require analyzing wrestler form, weight management, and historical data while tracking live odds shaped by algorithms and real-time performance. Coaches, referees, and elite athletes influence outcomes, while consistency, mental strength, and referee decisions remain decisive factors.
Which Crypto Sportsbooks Offer Odds On The Different Sports?
There are several sportsbooks offering betting markets across the range of sports. Fortunately, you won’t have to search hard to find them ,and we’ve reviewed most of the leading bookmakers to see who performs best across a range of key criteria:
