The Rise of Soccer Betting in The US
Soccer (known as football in many parts of the world) has long been a global phenomenon. However, in recent years, this beloved sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity within the United States, accompanied by a surge in soccer gambling.
Although the US is predominantly famed for its love of the NFL, NBA, MBL, NHL and college sports, there is no doubt that the interest in soccer – and betting on soccer, is growing.
Moreover, with the legalisation of sports betting in several states and the increasing availability of online platforms, soccer enthusiasts and casual bettors alike are embracing the opportunity to bet on all types of games – whether you want to bet on the MLS, world tournaments or bet on Premier League matches in the UK, there’s something for all tastes.
So, let’s take a look and explore all the factors that are contributing to the growth of soccer gambling in the US and what exactly it means for US punters.
Expansion of Sports Betting Legislation:
The legalisation of sports betting has played a massive role in the rise of soccer gambling in the US. Before the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2018, which allowed individual states to decide whether or not they wanted to legalise sports betting, Nevada was the only state where full-scale sports betting was permitted.
Since then, a number of different states have followed suit, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado and others, with more adding their names to the list all the time. The expansion of sports betting legislation has therefore created a legal framework for soccer gambling, giving soccer fans safe and regulated platforms on which they can place their bets.
Increased Television Coverage and Streaming Options
The availability of extensive television coverage and streaming options for soccer matches has also led to a greater interest in soccer gambling. Now, many major sports networks and streaming services are broadcasting an array of both domestic and international soccer leagues, giving fans even more opportunities to engage with the sport.
This increased exposure to matches has not only expanded the fan base in the country but has also attracted even more bettors who want to capitalise on their knowledge of the game.
The fact that you can now watch matches live or on-demand means you can enjoy an even better betting experience – as you can now make even more informed decisions based on what you see and your analysis of the game, teams and players.
The Accessibility of Online Platforms
The globalisation of soccer has made it much more accessible to fans all over the world, including those in the US. Online gambling platforms have started to capitalise on this trend by offering even more soccer betting options. Not only do these sites provide users with the convenience of placing bets from their mobile devices or computers – meaning they can bet when they want, where they want, but because there are now also so many bet types – such as match outcomes, goal scorers, and in-game events, it makes betting on the sport even more fun and exciting.
Fantasy Soccer and Daily Fantasy Sports
The rise of fantasy soccer and daily fantasy sports (DFS) has also contributed to the growing interest in betting on soccer. Fantasy soccer leagues and tournaments allow fans to put their knowledge to the test by putting together virtual teams of real-life players and earning points based on how they perform in actual matches.
DFS platforms take this concept even further by offering daily contests where players can draft new lineups for each match day. These different types of formats add an extra layer of engagement and competition for soccer lovers and blur the lines between real betting and fantasy games.
As a result, fans who weren’t necessarily thinking of actually betting on a match have a different way to participate and become more financially engaged in the outcome of matches.
A Game on the Way Up
OK, it may still have a long way to go before it reaches the popularity levels of NFL betting, but it’s certainly on the way up. As such, there are now more ways to bet on soccer than ever before, so why not give something new a go?
