Money Wagered on Sports Globally
CURRENT TOTAL
Live Counter Notable Facts
(Data shown in the table is for 2025. Counter shows current estimate)
Annual Handle
Daily Handle
Industry Revenue
Understanding Money Wagered on Sports Globally
This counter tracks the total amount wagered on sports globally—known as 'handle' in gambling terminology. With $1.7 trillion wagered annually, sports betting has become one of the largest gambling segments worldwide.
The legalization of sports betting in the United States since 2018 has driven rapid industry growth, with over 35 states now offering legal sports wagering.
Important distinction: 'Handle' represents total money wagered, not operator revenue. Sportsbooks retain approximately 5-7% of handle as gross gaming revenue.
The Sports Betting Landscape
- Football (soccer) generates the highest global betting volume, followed by American football, basketball, tennis, and cricket.
- Mobile betting now accounts for over 85% of all sports wagers in legal markets, enabling real-time in-game betting.
- The average sports bettor wagers $165 per month, though this varies significantly by market and wagering patterns.
- Responsible gambling measures have become mandatory in most jurisdictions, including deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, and loss limits.
Betting by Sport (Global Handle)
- Football (Soccer): 45%
- American Football: 15%
- Basketball: 12%
- Tennis: 10%
- Cricket: 8%
- Other Sports: 10%
Market Size by Region
- Europe: $650 billion (38%)
- Asia-Pacific: $560 billion (33%)
- North America: $350 billion (21%)
- Rest of World: $140 billion (8%)
Data Sources and References
Methodology and Data Collection
Handle data is compiled from Grand View Research and H2 Gambling Capital industry reports.
The per-second rate is calculated by dividing $1.7 trillion annual handle by 31,536,000 seconds per year.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Money Wagered on Sports Globally
Approximately $1.7 trillion is wagered on sports globally each year, or $4.66 billion per day. This figure represents 'handle' (total amount wagered), not operator profits.
Handle is the total amount wagered by bettors. Revenue (or gross gaming revenue) is what sportsbooks keep after paying out winnings—typically 5-7% of handle. So $1.7 trillion in handle generates approximately $75 billion in industry revenue.
Football (soccer) generates the most betting volume globally at approximately 45% of total handle. American football follows at 15%, basketball at 12%, tennis at 10%, and cricket at 8%.