The iconic Aintree steeplechase has once again proven its enduring appeal, emerging as the most wagered-upon sporting event worldwide in 2024.
This revelation comes from comprehensive data released by leading gaming company Entain, shedding light on betting trends across major international competitions.
The Grand National’s Unrivalled Popularity
The Grand National’s position at the pinnacle of global betting events in 2024 underscores its unique ability to captivate both seasoned punters and casual enthusiasts alike. This prestigious horse racing spectacle generated an unprecedented volume of wagers, outpacing even high-profile tournaments such as the European Football Championship and the NFL’s Super Bowl.
Entain’s statistics reveal the race’s broad appeal, with a staggering 82% of UK-based bets amounting to £5 or less. This trend highlights the Grand National’s reputation as a quintessential “people’s race”, attracting a diverse array of participants beyond the realm of habitual gamblers.
Greg Ferris, Entain’s Managing Director of Sports, commented on the race’s enduring popularity: “The Grand National’s capacity to engage casual bettors remains unparalleled. Its global viewership and betting participation demonstrate its unique position in the sporting calendar.”
Football Dominates the Betting Landscape
While the Grand National claimed the top spot, football emerged as the dominant force in overall betting activity for 2024. In other words, more people bet on football than racing on a day to day basis.
The European Football Championship, in particular, captivated punters’ attention, with matches involving the England national team featuring prominently in the rankings.
Eight of the top ten most bet-upon events were football matches, with 34 out of the top 50 also belonging to the beautiful game. The Euro 2024 final between Spain and England ranked third in overall betting volume, exemplifying the tournament’s significant impact on the gambling industry.
Super Bowl Surprises as Runner-Up
In an unexpected turn of events, the NFL’s Super Bowl LVIII secured the second position in Entain’s global betting rankings. The championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers generated more wagers than the Euro 2024 final, despite football’s general dominance in the UK market.
This result highlights the growing international appeal of American football and the Super Bowl’s status as a global sporting spectacle. The match’s nail-biting conclusion, with the Chiefs clinching victory in overtime, likely contributed to its popularity among bettors.
Euro 2024: England’s Journey Captivates Punters
The European Football Championship proved to be a goldmine for bookmakers, with England’s matches accounting for a significant portion of betting activity. Eleven of the fifteen most wagered-upon events of the year were Euro 2024 fixtures, showcasing the tournament’s immense popularity.
England’s games against the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, and Slovakia ranked fourth, seventh, eighth, and ninth respectively in terms of betting volume. The team’s journey to the final undoubtedly fuelled patriotic betting, despite Spain ultimately emerging as favourites in the championship decider.
Other Notable Entries in the Top 50
While football and the Grand National dominated the upper echelons of the betting rankings, several other sporting events made significant appearances in Entain’s top 50 list:
- The Masters golf tournament (6th place)
- Cheltenham Gold Cup (16th place)
- Scottish Grand National (34th place)
- Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson boxing match (36th place)
The inclusion of these events demonstrates the diverse interests of the betting public and the enduring appeal of traditional sporting spectacles alongside more contemporary attractions.
Implications for the Betting Industry
The 2024 betting data provides valuable insights for bookmakers and industry analysts. The continued supremacy of the Grand National, coupled with the strong performance of international football tournaments, underscores the importance of these events in attracting new customers and driving engagement.
Entain reported that 30% of Grand National bettors were either new sign-ups or individuals making their first deposits, highlighting the race’s role as a gateway for newcomers to the world of sports betting.
As the industry looks ahead to 2025, the absence of a major international football tournament may present challenges. However, the enduring appeal of events like the Grand National and the Super Bowl suggests that opportunities for growth and innovation remain abundant in the ever-evolving landscape of sports betting.