The Most Popular Sports for Betting in Europe: Insights from Industry News

The European sports betting scene has never been more alive. With legal markets expanding and technology improving odds feeds, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years for the industry yet. According to Statista, Europe’s sports betting market was worth over €45 billion in 2024, with projections showing steady growth as more sportsbooks go digital and offer better live features.

As betting expert at mightytips.com, Kate Richardson often points out, ‘‘For anyone new to the world of European sports betting, choosing the right platform makes all the difference.’’ That’s why smart punters will always check review platforms and guides before placing wagers. This way, they can see a comparison of the best betting sites in Europe, helping them find reliable odds, bonuses, and user-friendly platforms.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of football or other sports; one obvious thing is that the European iGaming world is evolving fast, and 2025 might just be its biggest year yet.

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5 Most Popular Sports for Betting in Europe from News Sources

The sports wagering landscape keeps expanding every year in Europe, and 2025 has been an amazing one. Millions of fans and punters are being attracted every week by their favorite sports, contributing huge traffic to online platforms. Let’s take a quick look at the top five sports making waves in the sphere.

1. Football

It’s no surprise that football sits at the top. Across Europe, from England’s Premier League to Spain’s La Liga, the sport accounts for more than 60% of all sports wagers, according to European Gaming industry news (2025). Football’s massive following makes it the backbone of global sports wagering, with bookmakers constantly improving their odds feed systems to keep up with demand.

Top clubs have also formed new partnerships with wagering platforms to enhance fan engagement. As legendary player Johan Cruyff once said, “Football is simple, but it’s difficult to play simple.” The same could be said for betting on it – easy to start, but skill and timing still matter.

2. Tennis

Tennis has quietly become one of Europe’s most exciting betting markets. Its year-round calendar and one-on-one format make it perfect for live or “in-play” staking, which have surged in 2025. According to reports, tennis now makes up around 15% of all European sports betting activity. The thrill comes from quick momentum swings – one serve, one break point, one upset.

3. Basketball

Basketball may not be as popular as football. Its fan base across the continent is also growing fast. The EuroLeague, Spain’s Liga ACB, and France’s LNB are all major draws for basketball fans. This year, we have also seen many teams go into partnerships with bookmakers to help clubs connect with a larger audience to increase fan engagement.

Data from European Gaming News (2025) is evidence that basketball betting has been on an upward trend every year, growing by almost 20% each year. This growth is easily traceable to mobile-friendly sportsbooks and live product launches that make things super easy for fans to follow and bet in real time.

4. Motorsports

Motorsports is not what many people used to know. It has gained a good space in the European betting corner. MotoGP, Formula 1, and rally events now draw in both fans and casual punters in their numbers. One major drive behind this is advanced analytics and real-time data access. Now, there are more live streaming options and improved odds feeds available to punters. That has made placing stakes not only easier but also faster.

In 2025, the motorsports segment saw steady growth across Malta, Romania, and other friendly markets, according to gaming industry news. New partnerships between operators and major racing events are improving compliance standards and transparency.

As F1 legend Ayrton Senna once said, “You must take the compromise to win, or else nothing.” That mindset fits the high-speed, high-stakes nature of motorsport betting perfectly.

5. Horse Racing

No list of Europe’s most popular betting sports would be complete without horse racing. Not only is it one of the oldest betting traditions on the continent, but it is also the most prestigious. Think about the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France and the Royal Ascot in the UK, and you will quickly see why people love this sport.

2025 has been a year of palpable growth for horse racing, as it gets support from both online gambling platforms and traditional bookmakers that are owned and operated by European companies. Recent industry news has proved that horse racing is steadily gaining a fan base, accounting for 10% of total sports betting revenue in Europe.

Recent industry news shows that horse racing accounts for roughly 10% of total sports betting revenue in Europe, highlighting its steady fan base. The rise of mobile apps and faster payouts has also attracted younger speculators. It’s a fine blend of strategy and chance – as legendary Roman poet Ovid once said, “A horse never runs so fast as when he has other horses to catch.”

Emerging Contenders: Esports and Boxing/MMA

While football and tennis dominate the market, newer categories are starting to make noise, especially esports and combat sports like boxing and MMA. These areas are bringing in younger audiences and expanding the scope of European iGaming beyond traditional sports.

Esports

Compared to what we used to have in the past, e-Sports has indeed transitioned, bridging the gap between video gaming and traditional sportsbooks. Think of titles like League of Legends and Counter-Strike 2; these games draw millions of viewers during international tournaments.

According to a Sigma industry event report, the e-sports betting sector grew by more than 30% year-on-year, with major partnerships forming among operators and tournament organizers. This growth shows how fast the iGaming market is evolving, with fans betting not just on athletes, but on gamers.

Boxing and MMA

Combat sports have long held a loyal fan base in Europe, but 2025 has brought them closer to mainstream betting action. Big-name fights, boosted streaming access, and improved product launches by betting platforms have all fueled engagement.

With the rise of local heroes in the UK, Poland, and Eastern Europe, more fans are making pre-fight and live bets through mobile sites and regulated sportsbooks. Analysts point out that these sports benefit from strong storytelling – rivalries, redemption arcs, and underdog wins. They’re both unpredictable and emotional, and that’s what makes them perfect for fans who enjoy placing a wager based not only on their heart but also with their head.

As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” In betting, just like in boxing, surprises are what keep people coming back.

Conclusion

Looking at the European sports betting scene in 2025, one can obviously see more than just passion for competition. It shows how much connection has existed between sports, entertainment, and technology. 

From traditional markets like football and horse racing to new frontiers in esports and combat sports, staking has managed to keep evolving just as the industry itself is.

The article was provided by Kate Richardson

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!