Key points:
- NFL, NBA and MLB teams led sports betting activity, with the Kansas City Chiefs a standout in the NFL
- Women's sports saw significant growth, with a 67% increase in global WNBA betting
- Player prop markets expanded, particularly around star athletes in the NFL and NBA
Operator bet365 has published its 2024 Year in Sports Betting report, offering insights into notable trends and expanding market dynamics.
The report covers developments in regulated markets across North America, Latin America and Europe, as well as highlights in betting preferences.
The Kansas City Chiefs topped NFL betting activity, attributed to their on-field performance and the media spotlight on Travis Kelce.
Similarly, the Boston Celtics led NBA wagers, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder, with fans focusing heavily on key player performances in prop markets.
Women’s sports gained traction, with WNBA betting rising by 67% globally. Emerging players and heightened media coverage reportedly fueled this trend, aligning with an uptick in engagement with women’s college basketball.
Player prop markets saw a considerable rise, driven by demand for tailored betting experiences. Athletes like Nikola Jokic in the NBA and Saquon Barkley in the NFL emerged as focal points for bettors interested in individual performance metrics.
The report also highlights bet365’s expanding operations. After launching in Pennsylvania earlier this year and entering the Peruvian market, the company is preparing for potential entry into Brazil, pending regulatory approval.
This follows its 2024 collaborations, including partnerships with Inspired and Playtech in Pennsylvania and Betmakers for fixed-odds horseracing in New Jersey and Colorado.
Bet365’s betting features, such as early payouts and flash betting options, were noted for improving user experiences.