NFL Betting Activity Surges in UK and Ireland Following London Games
The National Football League (NFL) has witnessed a remarkable uptick in betting interest among fans in the UK and Ireland, as reported by Entain’s Ladbrokes and Coral brands.
Notable Increase in Bettors
There has been a 65% year-on-year growth in the number of UK and Irish individuals placing bets on NFL games. This surge reflects the sport’s expanding popularity in these regions.
The total number of bets placed has climbed by 60% compared to the previous year, accompanied by a 46% increase in total stakes. This indicates not just more bettors, but also higher engagement per individual.
The recent NFL games held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium contributed significantly to this growth. Total staking during these London games saw a 51% increase over 2023 figures. High-profile matchups like the New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars drew substantial attention.
Growing Interest in Player-Specific Bets
Betting on player-specific outcomes, such as anytime touchdown scorers, has surged by nearly 90%. Players like Saquon Barkley, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes have become particularly popular choices among bettors.
Greg Ferris, Entain’s Managing Director for Sports, noted: “During the last twenty years, the NFL has become truly international, with games taking place around the world, helping to grow a global fanbase. In the UK and Ireland, fans are not only betting more on the games in London but also on many of the prime-time games being staged in the US. This is evidence of a committed and knowledgeable NFL fanbase in the UK that continues to grow.”
In addition to the NFL, Entain reported record interest in Olympic betting earlier this year. The company recorded double the betting volume during the Paris Olympics compared to the Tokyo 2020 games, indicating a broader trend of increasing engagement in international sports events.