By betadmin The number of people who engage in sports betting varies significantly by region and over time, influenced by factors such as legal status, cultural acceptance, and the availability of betting opportunities. As of my last update, here are some general insights:
– **United States**: Before the Supreme Court ruling in May 2018 that struck down a federal law prohibiting sports betting in most states, it was estimated that around 2-3% of the adult population engaged in sports betting. Following the ruling, the number of people betting on sports has increased, with some estimates suggesting that up to 15-20 million Americans could be participating in sports betting.
– **United Kingdom**: Sports betting is very popular in the UK, with a significant portion of the adult population participating. The UK Gambling Commission reports that around 8% of adults in the UK place a bet on sports every week.
– **Europe**: In various European countries, the prevalence of sports betting among adults can range from a few percent to well over 10%, depending on the country’s regulatory environment and cultural attitudes towards gambling.
– **Asia**: Sports betting is also popular in many Asian countries, with particularly high participation rates in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. However, the legal status of sports betting varies widely across the region.
– **Global**: On a global scale, it’s estimated that hundreds of millions of people engage in sports betting each year. The global sports betting market was valued at tens of billions of dollars annually, and this figure is expected to grow as the industry becomes more accessible through online platforms and mobile technology.
It’s important to note that these figures are rough estimates and can fluctuate based on the changing legal landscape, the introduction of new betting products, and shifts in public attitudes towards sports betting. Additionally, the underground or illegal sports betting market is significant and not accounted for in official statistics.