From Poker to Soccer: The Most Popular Betting Games Worldwide

The world of betting has changed far more than any of us could have realistically expected, transforming from a niche hobby into a nearly trillion-dollar global phenomenon. 

With the rise of online platforms, mobile technology, and changing regulatory landscapes, millions of people worldwide gamble in a ton of different ways. From the electrifying atmosphere of soccer stadiums to poker tables, betting games span a pretty massive spectrum of experiences. 

This comprehensive guide explores the most popular gambling games worldwide, examining what makes them so captivating to bettors across different cultures and regions.

Soccer Betting: The Global King of Sports Wagering

Soccer dominates the global betting landscape with more than $800 billion (over CA$1.1 trillion) wagered on it in 2023, accounting for around half of the total sports betting handle worldwide. With an estimated 3.5 billion fans as of 2025, it’s the world’s most popular sport by a wide margin.

Unlike many sports that operate seasonally, soccer offers year-round action across different continents and competitions. Major domestic leagues (English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, etc.) run from August to May, while in the summer off-season, big international tournaments and club competitions fill the void.

To put it simply, you have more options to bet on with soccer than any other sport.

Most Popular Soccer Leagues for Betting

The English Premier League stands as the most bet-on soccer competition globally, followed closely by the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Serie A. International tournaments generate unprecedented betting activity, with the FIFA World Cup being the single biggest betting event in soccer (and arguably in all sports). 

The continuous calendar of fixtures ensures that soccer bettors always have options, from weekly domestic matches to prestigious international tournaments.

Common Soccer Bet Types Worldwide

Soccer’s popularity is enhanced by the diverse range of betting markets available. The most common bet types include:

• 1X2 betting: The traditional match outcome bet where bettors choose between home win (1), draw (X), or away win (2).
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): A popular market where bettors wager on whether both teams will score during the match.
• Over/Under goals: Bettors predict whether the total goals scored will be above or below a specified number, typically 2.5 goals.

Poker

Poker has been around for hundreds of years and still holds its spot as one of the biggest games in the world.

It’s very appealing, with how deep the game can get with betting, bluffing, and reading opponents. Casinos benefit from poker’s popularity through revenue from tournament fees and cash game rake, while the combination of skill, psychology, and luck keeps players engaged.

The rise of televised poker tournaments and online gaming has really been what made poker betting take off. The World Series of Poker and other major tournaments continue to draw global attention, inspiring new generations of players to learn this classic card gambling game.

Cricket

Cricket enjoys massive popularity with over 2 billion fans across the world (yes, 2 billion), especially in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The sport’s betting appeal has grown from what it once was with the introduction of shorter formats like T20 cricket, which provide more betting opportunities and faster-paced action.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized cricket betting, creating a tournament that rivals major sporting events worldwide. In India alone, the IPL sees billions in wagers every season.

Horse Racing

Horse racing represents one of the oldest and most traditional forms of betting entertainment. Dating back to the earliest human civilizations, it’s remained relevant in the 21st century, with punters flocking to major events like the Royal Ascot, the Kentucky Derby, and the UAE Derby.

Despite facing competition from modern sports, horse racing maintains a dedicated following. The 2017 Grand National reportedly saw wagers totaling £300 million, roughly CA$563 million, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this classic gambling activity. The sport’s complex betting markets, including win, place, show, exactas, and trifectas, offer sophisticated wagering opportunities that attract both casual and professional bettors.

Esports

The esports betting market is the fastest-growing segment in the gambling industry. The stats show a massive jump in activity, with $2.5 billion (around CA$3.5 billion) in revenue and over 74 million people participating in online esports betting in 2024. Popular games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike, VALORANT, and Dota 2 attract significant wagering activity, especially during major tournaments.

The demographic driving esports betting is notably young, with Gen Z men making up nearly half of all bettors, and people aged 18 to 27 accounting for 44% of all esports gambling activity in 2024.

Lotteries and Number Games

Lotteries and number games are fresh in all of our minds, with everyone buying lottery tickets from time to time. From national lotteries like Powerball and EuroMillions to traditional keno games, these gambling activities attract millions of participants seeking life-changing jackpots. The simplicity of play and the potential for massive payouts make lotteries a popular choice across all demographics and income levels.

The Rise of Online Casinos and Slot Machines

Slots dominate the iGaming world with variety, fast gameplay, and low learning curves, making them appealing to both casual players and high rollers. Modern online slots offer thousands of themes, innovative bonus features, and progressive jackpots that can reach millions of dollars.

Moreover, slot machines are some of the most popular and well-known casino games around the world, both online and offline. Popular casino games also include classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. 

Country-Specific Favorites You Might Not Expect

Greyhound Racing in Ireland

Ireland has maintained a strong tradition of greyhound racing, with dedicated tracks and regular betting opportunities. The sport combines the excitement of live racing with accessible betting markets, making it a popular choice among Irish gambling enthusiasts.

Kabaddi Betting in India

Kabaddi, a traditional contact sport, has gained significant betting traction in India, particularly with the success of the Pro Kabaddi League. This indigenous sport demonstrates how local cultural preferences can create substantial niche betting markets.

Table Tennis Spikes in Eastern Europe

Table tennis has emerged as a surprisingly popular betting sport in Eastern European countries. The fast-paced nature of the game and frequent tournaments provide numerous betting opportunities, particularly in live betting markets.

What Drives a Game’s Popularity Among Bettors?

Several factors contribute to a betting game’s global popularity:

• Accessibility and understanding: Games with simple rules and easy-to-understand outcomes tend to attract more bettors. Soccer’s straightforward match results and basketball’s point-based scoring make them more accessible than more complex sports.
• Frequency of events: Sports and games with regular schedules maintain bettor engagement. Soccer’s continuous league seasons and poker’s tournament circuit provide consistent opportunities for wagering.
• Media coverage and cultural relevance: Extensive media coverage increases betting interest. The NFL’s dominance in American sports betting correlates directly with its media presence and cultural significance.
• Betting market variety: Games offering diverse betting options keep bettors engaged. Soccer’s numerous prop bets, in-play options, and futures markets create multiple ways to participate.
• Technology integration: Modern betting experiences enhanced by mobile apps, live streaming, and real-time statistics attract tech-savvy bettors, particularly in esports and online casino games.

Responsible Gambling

As betting games continue to grow in popularity worldwide, responsible gambling practices become increasingly important. Modern betting platforms offer various features designed to help players maintain control, but these tools must be used wisely to be effective.

Understanding the risks: All forms of gambling, from soccer betting to poker and casino games, carry significant financial risks. Modern betting features like live betting, cash-out options, and instant deposits may create a false sense of security, leading some bettors to fall into dangerous patterns.

Essential gambling safety tools:

• Deposit limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps.
• Time limits: Use session reminders and automatic logouts.
• Reality checks: Enable pop-up reminders showing time spent and money wagered.
• Self-exclusion: Use temporary or permanent account restrictions when needed.
• Loss limits: Enable automatic stops when losses reach predetermined amounts.

Canadian Responsible Gambling Resources: If you’re experiencing problems with gambling, help is available through these Canadian resources:

• Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-230-3505 (24/7, free, confidential)
• Responsible Gambling Council (Ontario): responsiblegambling.org
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: camh.ca
• Gambling Therapy: gamblingtherapy.org (online support)