THREE POINTER:
- Record-Breaking Viewership: Women’s basketball setting new records in viewership and college games.
- Betting Boost: 24% of sports bettors wagered on women’s basketball last year.
- Cross-Sport Appeal: Growth in women’s sports betting shows minimal impact on men’s sports markets.
A New Era in Sports Engagement
The rise of women’s basketball has not only captivated fans but has significantly influenced the sports betting and fantasy sports landscape. With a staggering 24% of sports bettors placing wagers on women’s basketball games over the past year, the sport is leading the charge in a rapidly evolving market.
Betting and Viewership: A Symbiotic Relationship
The Fantasy Sports and Gaming Association highlights the symbiotic relationship between increased sports betting and viewership. As more fans engage in betting and fantasy leagues, their interest in the sports themselves intensifies, creating a cycle of growing engagement and viewership.
> “Legalized betting will garner even more interest in professional sports leagues and viewership could rise with a favorable ruling,” noted Jeff Ma, famed gambler and inspiration behind the film ’21’.
The Olympic Spotlight
With the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, women’s basketball continues to shine. While betting on Olympic sports is still burgeoning, companies like DraftKings are experiencing significant activity with the USA Women’s Basketball team ranking as their third most-bet team.
Beyond Basketball: Women’s Sports on the Rise
Women’s basketball might be leading the pack, but other sports are not far behind. Tennis and Women’s MMA each attracted 11% of sports bettors over the past year, with soccer and volleyball rounding out the top five.
Minimal Impact on Men’s Sports
Interestingly, the growth in women’s sports betting has not cannibalized the men’s sports betting markets. Only 3% of bettors exclusively wager on women’s sports, with a significant 39% betting on both men’s and women’s sports.
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