What Are the World’s Favourite Ways to Wager?

Different countries and cultures have different betting habits, just as they have different habits when it comes to food or marriage. Sometimes it’s simply a case of a different sport being more popular, and in other cases, there are unique activities associated with betting and wagering.

Have you ever wondered what people are betting on in other corners of the globe? While Australians might love a flutter on the horses or a cheeky punt on the NRL, folks in other countries have their own betting obsessions. From football-crazed Europeans to Americans chasing the elusive Powerball lottery jackpot, betting isn’t just a pastime; it’s part of the culture.

Let’s take a trip around the world to explore the different types of betting that dominate in various countries. You might be surprised how much it tells you about local traditions, passions and even quirks.

Sports betting is where passions turn into wagers

Europe is a haven of football fever and betting bonanzas

In much of Europe, sports betting reigns supreme, and it’s no shock that football is the main event. In the UK, betting shops like Ladbrokes and William Hill have been part of the high street landscape for decades. Match day in England isn’t just about pies and pints, it’s also about placing an accumulator bet on the Premier League, Champions League, or even lower division games.

Across Spain, Italy and Germany, football betting is embedded into daily life. Bookmakers report billions of euros in wagers during big tournaments like the World Cup or UEFA Euro, with punters betting on everything from final scores to which player will get the first yellow card.

A Spanish friend once joked that betting on Real Madrid isn’t just gambling, it’s a family tradition. His grandfather did it, his dad does it and now it’s his turn.

From Gridiron to March Madness, betting in the US

In the United States, sports betting exploded after 2018, when the Supreme Court opened the door for states to legalise it. Today, more than 38 states have legal sports betting markets, and Americans are wagering over $100 billion a year.

But while sports like NFL football and NBA basketball dominate, college sports betting is uniquely American. Events like March Madness see office workers from New York to Nebraska filling out brackets, even if they’ve never watched a college basketball game in their lives. It’s a social ritual as much as a bet.

Asia is all about cricket, esports and horse racing

In India, cricket betting is king. Even though it’s technically illegal in many forms, billions of dollars are still wagered during tournaments like the IPL, often through underground or offshore platforms.

Meanwhile, in China, Japan and South Korea, esports betting is surging. Games like League of Legends, Dota 2 and CS:GO have massive betting markets, especially during world championship events.

And of course, horse racing in Japan is a national obsession. The Japan Cup, held every November, attracts over 100,000 live spectators and millions in bets, with the Japanese Racing Association reporting more than JPY 3 trillion (approx. USD 20 billion) in annual betting turnover.

Lotteries are universal and ubiquitous

If there’s one form of betting that unites people across borders, it’s the lottery.

• The US Powerball and Mega Millions have jackpots that regularly climb over USD 500 million, attracting ticket buyers from all over the world thanks to online platforms.
• In Europe, the EuroMillions draws players from nine countries, creating a massive shared prize pool.
• Even in countries where other forms of betting are restricted or banned, like many Middle Eastern nations and parts of Asia, lotteries are often government-run and promoted.

Lotteries are simple, accessible and often seen as a harmless flutter by players who wouldn’t dream of setting foot in a casino. It’s the everyday person’s shot at a dream, and let’s face it, who hasn’t fantasised about handing in their resignation after hitting the jackpot?

Casino games are global, glamorous and growing online

When you think of casinos, your mind might wander to the bright lights of Las Vegas or the grandeur of Monte Carlo. But casinos are now as global as fast food.

Macau, often dubbed the “Monte Carlo of the East,” actually surpasses Las Vegas in gambling revenues, raking in over USD 22 billion annually, even during slower years.

Meanwhile, online casino gaming has taken off globally, particularly during the pandemic. From pokies apps to Europe’s online roulette rooms, players enjoy the thrills of blackjack, slots and poker without leaving their living room.

In Canada, online casinos operate in a well-regulated environment, with Ontario recently opening its market to private operators, leading to a surge in new platforms and apps.

Horse racing is still galloping strong in pockets of the world

Even in our high-tech age, horse racing remains wildly popular, particularly in:

• Australia, where events like the Melbourne Cup turn the nation into a betting frenzy. Racing Victoria reports that over AUD 200 million is wagered just on Cup Day alone.
• The UK, where iconic events like the Grand National and Royal Ascot are still drawing millions of pounds in bets.
• Hong Kong, where the Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of the largest tax contributors, with over HKD 279 billion (approx. USD 35 billion) in annual betting turnover.

For many punters, a day at the races isn’t just about betting, it’s a social affair, complete with fancy hats, champagne and tales of the one that got away.