Cricket is not just a sport—it’s a passion, a global phenomenon that unites fans from all corners of the world. With its deep-rooted history and widespread popularity, especially in regions like India, Australia, the UK, and Pakistan, cricket fans have long enjoyed placing bets on their favorite matches. However, these fans aren’t limited to just cricket when it comes to wagering. As betting becomes more accessible, especially with sports betting abroad, cricket enthusiasts are diversifying their betting interests into a variety of other sports.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular sports cricket fans bet on outside of cricket and provide some fascinating statistics on these trends.
Football: The Global Betting Giant
It’s no surprise that football, or soccer as it’s known in some parts of the world, ranks as the number one sport for betting globally, and cricket fans are no exception. According to a 2022 report by the International Sports Betting Association, more than 60% of all sports bets worldwide are placed on football. Among cricket fans, especially in countries like India and the UK, football comes a close second to cricket in terms of betting interest.
The English Premier League, La Liga, and the FIFA World Cup see massive wagering activity from cricket enthusiasts. Whether it’s a thrilling match between Manchester United and Chelsea or an international showdown during the World Cup, cricket fans love the excitement and unpredictability that football offers.
Tennis: A Rising Star in Betting Circles
Tennis has emerged as one of the top sports that cricket fans bet on. The fast-paced nature of the game, combined with the abundance of matches throughout the year, makes it an appealing option for sports bettors. Major tournaments like Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open attract significant attention.
A study conducted in 2023 by Statista revealed that 35% of cricket fans who bet on other sports choose tennis. The straightforward structure of tennis, with only two players or teams involved, adds an extra layer of appeal for those looking for quick, high-stakes betting opportunities.
Basketball: A Growing Favorite
Basketball has also gained a foothold among cricket fans, especially in regions where the NBA has a strong following. The global reach of the NBA and the exciting, high-scoring games have captured the attention of many cricket enthusiasts. Additionally, betting on basketball offers a range of options, from match outcomes to player-specific stats like points, rebounds, and assists.
In countries like Australia, where both cricket and basketball are popular, it’s common to see fans placing bets on their favorite NBA teams during the cricket off-season. According to a survey conducted by BettingApps.com, 22% of cricket fans in Australia regularly bet on NBA games.
Horse Racing: A Classic Betting Sport
Horse racing has been a long-standing favorite in the world of sports betting, and cricket fans are no strangers to it. In the UK and Australia, where cricket and horse racing are both deeply ingrained in sports culture, many fans place bets on horse races when they’re not following cricket. Events like the Melbourne Cup and Royal Ascot draw significant betting activity from cricket enthusiasts.
A report by IBISWorld found that nearly 18% of cricket bettors in the UK engage in horse racing bets. The traditional appeal of horse racing, combined with the large-scale events and the complexity of betting odds, makes it a natural fit for many cricket fans looking for variety.
Esports: The New Frontier
Surprisingly, many cricket fans are venturing into esports betting, especially younger audiences. Esports has grown exponentially in the past few years, with tournaments like Dota 2’s The International, League of Legends World Championship, and CS: GO Majors offering substantial prize pools and massive viewership. While esports may seem a world apart from traditional sports, the competitive structure and passionate fanbase appeal to those who enjoy the strategic elements of cricket.
A 2023 report from Gambling.com noted that 15% of cricket fans under 30 have placed bets on esports events. The dynamic nature of esports, combined with the rapid growth of the industry, suggests that this trend will continue to rise among the cricket community.
Rugby: A Popular Choice in Certain Regions
In countries like New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia, rugby is almost as beloved as cricket. With the physicality and fast pace of rugby matches, cricket fans in these regions often place bets on both rugby union and rugby league games. Events like the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations Championship see a spike in betting activity among cricket fans.
Research from the New Zealand Sports Betting Commission showed that 27% of cricket fans in the country placed bets on rugby events, especially during major international tournaments.
Conclusion: Cricket Fans Are Expanding Their Betting Horizons
While cricket remains the top choice for betting among its fans, there’s a noticeable shift towards sports betting across various other sports. Football, tennis, basketball, and even esports are just some of the sports that cricket fans are exploring. The diversification of betting interests reflects the evolving landscape of global sports betting, where fans can engage with a variety of sports from around the world, no matter where they are.
As the world of sports betting continues to grow, cricket fans are seizing the opportunity to broaden their horizons and explore the thrill of wagering on multiple sports. Whether it’s betting on an English Premier League match, a Wimbledon final, or an NBA showdown, cricket fans are proving that their love for betting extends far beyond the boundary ropes of the cricket field.
