Sports betting is rather popular in the United Kingdom, with licensed operators making a gross gambling yield of around £14 billion in the past 10 years. The increase in betting sites amount and accessibility has made it easier for people to get started, as well as to have a punt on the go or whenever they feel like it. If you’re looking for an exciting way to bet that involves more than just luck, it might be worth taking a look into some of your options. From football to ice hockey, there are is a lot of options available. Each one could be well worth your time, as well as the investment. Especially if you put in the effort to maximise your winning potential.

The most popular sports to bet on

Placing a bet on any sport is easier than ever before. These days, all you’ll need to do is sign up to a sports betting site and you can make a wager from the comfort of your own home in less than 30 minutes. Online betting shops also provide players with many choices for what to bet on. In some cases, the most difficult part of the process (especially for non-sports fans) is trying to figure out where to lay their money! The good news is that we’re here to help you get a better understanding of what other people in the UK enjoy gambling on. In no particular order, here are the top 5 sports to consider:

1. Football

Last but certainly not least on this list is football, a sport that has been a firm favourite amongst bettors in the UK for many, many years. In fact, it’s arguably the most popular one on this list which – and not just in the United Kingdom. A survey from 2017 revealed that around 77% of people who participated in betting had laid some money on football matches previously using the best football betting sites UK. That is quite a significant percentage. Football offers a broad range of matches year-round, as well as a whole host of bets to choose from at any given time. There are always plenty of options available to you in the UK. From simple match betting, to handicap betting; there are many ways to test your luck (or skill!).

2. Golf

People who are looking for a consistent way of betting might want to take a closer look into what golf bookmakers have to offer. Typically, punters and fans of the sport will have a good grasp of general game statistics, such as player performance and the advantages and pitfalls of well-used courses. The amount of data and information available can make it a lot easier to make the right call on your bets which is something that anyone can benefit from. Alongside this, there’s also the fact that golf is one of the most popular sports in the world. Individuals from across the world often wager on the two main tour events: the European Tour and US PGA.

3. Tennis

Tennis offers an excellent opportunity for a high paying, prudent bet. After all, who wouldn’t want the chance to earn a sizeable payout with good odds? This is especially true in the case of quarter-final betting. With this option, you don’t even need to pick the outright winner of the tournament, just which ones are most likely to get to the quarter-final. In this case, it’s often a great strategy is to pick talented outsiders.

4. Horse racing

If you look into the history of sports betting in the United Kingdom, you’ll find that horse racing betting has been a part of the UK’s culture for quite a while. In Victorian times, it was not only a popular event but one of the only sportspeople could legally bet on. Fortunately, it hasn’t lost its popularity over the years. Whether you prefer making your wagers at your local betting shop or online, you’re likely to find that it’s a fun experience to cheer on your chosen horse. There are quite a few types of horse racing to take a punt on too, such as the National Hunt races or Flat racing.

5. Ice Hockey

Unlike some of the other sports on this list, ice hockey is a relatively new option. The demand has been growing for quite some time and fortunately, bookmakers are stepping up to the mark. With wagers frequently becoming available across multiple betting sites and the overall quality improving, an increasing number of individuals across the country are getting in on the act and making consistent bets, as well as testing the waters. Today, you’ll find that there are great odds and a growing number of bet types to choose from. Some of the most common you can place on ice hockey games include: • First period • Moneyline • Parlays • Point spread

Which one is the best for sports betting?

There isn’t necessarily one sport that stands above the rest. There are instead sports that are better suited to your unique tastes and preferences that will take the lead for you. If you want to make the most out of your betting experience, you may give a chance to sports you enjoy. Also, you can try a few different sports to get a better idea of what kinds of games would be ideal to bet on. If any sports that weren’t covered in this top 5 come to your mind, it’s still well worth considering them. After all, the more knowledge you have on the game and the more passionate you are about it, the more exciting your endeavours are likely to be.

Choose with Your Mind and Heart

Essentially, if you haven’t followed many sports over the years, but are interested in making a bet, it can be worth considering the most popular choices and how they relate to you. Perhaps you’ll find that the popularity of football in the UK makes it more appealing, or maybe the opportunity to make a significant sum on a tennis match sounds more interesting. The good news is that there’s plenty of options for sports betting to keep you entertained.