In recent years, crypto sportsbooks have emerged as the go-to places to bet on a variety of world-class sporting competitions and entertainment events. A fusion of a traditional sportsbook, technology, and cryptocurrency, these sites offer a lot to sports enthusiasts – from the football odds to the latest basketball results or even general information for someone wishing to just play some badminton. Currently, the NFL, NBA, and MLB are some of the American leagues dominating crypto betting sites.
National Football League
The American National Football League (NFL) originated in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before adopting its current name in 1922. Established in Canton, Ohio, the league aimed to standardize rules and promote professionalism in American football.
Over the years, the NFL’s popularity soared due to its strategic marketing, captivating Super Bowl events, and the emergence of iconic players. The league’s success is further fueled by its cultural significance, bringing communities together and establishing itself as a cornerstone of American sports entertainment.
In 2023, the average television viewership of a regular season NFL game was estimated to be 17.9 million. A survey conducted by the American Gaming Association (AGA) in the same year revealed that about 28% of adults were looking forward to placing bets on football throughout the season.
National Basketball Association
If there’s a sports league that can rival the NFL in terms of popularity on crypto betting platforms, that is the National Basketball Association or NBA. Originating from a merger with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949, the NBA gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with iconic figures like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. These legends not only elevated the game but also contributed to the league’s appeal. Nowadays, the NBA is a basketball powerhouse.
After the NFL, the NBA is the second most bet-on sports league in the U.S. In 2023, the Playoffs reached a record high of 5.45 million viewers on average, making it the most-watched post-season since 2019, making it a pretty successful year.
Major League Baseball
Another popular sport on crypto betting sites is Major League Baseball or simply MLB. Its roots trace all the way back to 1869 when the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional baseball team. The league officially formed in 1876 with the National League’s establishment.
The MLB’s allure lies in the timeless nature of the game. Its evolution into a premier professional baseball organization in the world comes as no surprise. MLB’s enduring popularity can be attributed to the sport’s rich history, the iconic status of players like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson, and the cultural significance of baseball in the larger American society.
While not as popular as the NFL or NBA, Major League Baseball still draws a solid viewership. ESPN’s MLB game telecast, for example, averages around 1.5 million viewers. Baseball, overall, is the third most bet on sports in America.
What about WWE?
To date, there is no legal betting on WWE on online gambling sites or anywhere in the U.S. While it remains unclear whether the current scenario will change in 2024, according to CNBC reportage, WWE is trying to capitalize on the American betting market. They would be working with the accounting firm Ernst & Young (EY) which, together with rivals PwC, has safeguarded results for the Academy Awards. Notoriously, the latter is a fixed entertainment event available for wagering in select sports betting states.
The allure of WWE is undeniable as its popularity has endured. In 2023, WrestleMania 39 generated a gate of over $21.6 million, with 161.892 fans in attendance at SoFi Stadium over the span of two nights. While TV viewership seems to be declining, WWE Raw still manages to draw over a million viewers on average.
