There can be huge differences in sports betting around the world. This is due to factors such as cultural differences, legal, and, of course, economic differences. One of the biggest factors when it comes to international online bookmakers is regulation. In countries such as the United Kingdom, you can expect sports betting to be legal and regulated. In the UK, you will find mostly licensed bookmakers who offer a variety of betting markets. If we compare this to the US, where in many states outside of Nevada, sports betting was largely illegal. 

Recently, PASPA (Professional and Amature Sports Protection Act) started legalizing and regulating sports betting. This, as you can imagine, led to a huge expansion of the sports betting market in America. Let us also consider the fact that different countries enjoy betting on various sports. If we take a look at football or soccer as it is known in the US, it is a massive sport in Europe and the UK, but not so big in America. In America the main sports would be American football, basketball and baseball. In a country like Australia, cricket is a huge sports betting option for gamblers. This illustrates how sports betting differs depending on the country.

What Makes Sports Betting Different?

These are a few factors that create a different sports betting environment wherever you may be in the world:

• Technological Infrastructure

Depending where you are in the world will determine what sports betting opportunities you will get. The availability of technology can play a huge part in sports betting globally. If you are in an advanced country where there is forward-thinking technology, you are able to use your mobile device to place bets. This offers users great convenience as they are able to bet on the move. In regions that are more technologically advanced, betting shops may be the only way to place a sports bet.

• Taxation

Sports betting has a variety of taxation between different jurisdictions. There are some countries where some of the revenue from sports betting goes to support public services. These can include health services, education and other community initiatives. While in other countries you will find the sports betting revenue will go towards the government and regulatory bodies.

• Regulated and Unregulated

In some regions of the globe, you will find fully regulated sports betting, which is overseen by the government to make sure that everything is above board and fair. This offers good protection to each and every gambler. There are also unregulated regions around the world where there are no regulations or very little enforcement. These are the regions where black market betting exists. In these regions, consumers have no protection against fraud or exploitation.

These are some differences that can be found when you explore sports betting around the globe. You have to remember that sports betting is a global phenomenon; millions of people take part in sports betting every week. The cultural norms, market dynamics, and local regulations can differ greatly from region to region.

United Kingdom

In this country, you will find regulated licensed sports betting. Walk down any high street in the UK, and you will see betting shops where you can place your bets. Online betting is also hugely popular and widespread. In the United Kingdom, football is the main sport for betting, followed by horse racing. The regulatory body, the UK Gambling Commission, ensures gamblers are protected, and responsible gambling measures are in place. There are no taxes paid by individual bettors in the UK.

United States

Since 2018 many states in the US have legalized and regulated sports betting, thanks to the PASPA law. Each state in the US has its own rules with regards to licensing and regulations for sports betting operators. The most popular sports for betting in the US are the NFL American football and the NBA basketball. These major leagues have teamed up with betting operators. It is possible to place bets in a retail sportsbook in the US or use your mobile device for online betting.

Australia

Horse racing is a massive sport for sports betting in Australia, alongside Australian rules, soccer, and cricket. Australian gamblers love to make sports betting; it is a very popular pastime. The country has liberal gambling laws, but there are regulations to protect gamblers. There have been many debates over the years in Australia regarding sports betting advertising and problem gambling. Online betting is popular in the country, and many licensed bookmakers cater to bettors.

Europe

You will find a diverse sports betting landscape due to differing regulatory frameworks across various countries. In Italy, Spain, and France, sports betting is perfectly legal and regulated. In Eastern European countries there is a more varied approach with some regions having strict regulation and others more lax gambling laws. Football is the main betting choice in Europe followed by tennis, basketball and ice hockey. The European Union has tried to harmonize sports betting and its regulations, but each country retains its own laws.

Final Thoughts

As sports betting is such a global phenomenon, it is enjoyed with live sports events around the world by millions daily. The regulatory environment differs as well as the cultural attitudes. In each country there are different sports in the number one position for popularity. The bottom line is wherever you may be in the world you are always able to place a sports bet.