What Are the Best Sports to Bet On? Complete Guide (2025)

Ready to dive into sports betting but not sure where to start?

Our guide highlights the top sports to bet on with the best odds and most excitement.

Discover essential tips and strategies to enhance your betting experience and boost your chances of winning.

1. College Basketball

College basketball is a gold mine for bettors due to its sheer volume of games. With around 360 teams playing multiple games each week, there are always high-value betting opportunities, especially during nonconference periods and March tournaments.

Pros:

• High volume of games

• Unique betting periods

• Opportunities for high-value bets

Cons:

• Games can get lost among other major sports

Notable Markets:

• Game Totals

• Point Spreads

• Futures Bets (e.g., NCAA Tournament Winner)

2. Soccer

Soccer is a global favorite, offering highly competitive odds and a wide range of markets. Its popularity ensures numerous promotions and strategic betting options like Double Chance and Both Teams to Score.

Pros:

• Widely available

• Competitive odds

• Diverse betting markets

Cons:

• Overwhelming choices for beginners

Notable Markets:

• Double Chance

• First Goal Scorer

• Both Teams to Score

3. NFL

The NFL provides rich strategic depth and numerous unique markets, highlighted by the immense betting potential of the Super Bowl. NFL betting offers a narrower range of spreads, making it easier to read.

Pros:

• Great Super Bowl coverage

• Unique betting markets

• Predictable team performance

Cons:

• Still limited coverage in some regions

Notable Markets:

• NFL Draft Specials

• Super Bowl Winner

• Over/Under Points

4. NBA

NBA betting is exhilarating due to the fast-paced nature of the game and frequent opportunities for in-game betting. The league's unpredictability can lead to profitable betting opportunities.

Pros:

• Exciting live betting

• Regular matches

• Close games

Cons:

• Limited live streaming

Notable Markets:

• Race to 30 Points

• Quarter Winner

• Conference Winner

5. MLB

With 30 teams playing 162 games each, MLB offers abundant betting opportunities. The extensive statistical data available makes it easier to find advantageous situations, especially during the summer when sportsbooks may not be as sharp.

Pros:

• Long season with many games

• Rich statistical data

• Potential to catch sportsbooks off guard

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming

Notable Markets:

• Moneyline Bets

• Over/Under Runs

• Player Props

6. Horse Racing

Horse racing remains a classic betting sport with simple yet strategic betting options. Unique promotions and extensive live-streaming options make it a favorite among bettors.

Pros:

• Popular betting sport

• Extensive live streaming

• Unique promotions

Cons:

• Requires intense research

Notable Markets:

• To Win

• To Place

• Forecast Bet

7. Tennis

Tennis offers action-packed matches and numerous betting opportunities, allowing wagers on every point, set, and game. This makes it an exciting option for bettors.

Pros:

• Excellent live coverage

• Detailed game breakdowns

• Enhances an already thrilling sport

Cons:

• Not universally popular

Notable Markets:

• Handicap Betting

• First Set Winner

• Total Games Betting

8. MMA/UFC

MMA offers regular, scheduled events with the excitement of big fights and strategic depth. Bettors can benefit from the sport's passionate fan base and frequent betting opportunities.

Pros:

• Regular events

• Big fight excitement

• Strategic depth

Cons:

• High PPV costs

Notable Markets:

• Method of Victory

• First Round Victory

• Draw No Bet

9. Esports

Esports betting is gaining popularity with a wide variety of games and extensive live-streaming options. It brings a new audience to sports betting and offers unique markets.

Pros:

• Diverse games

• Extensive live streaming

• Attracts new fans

Cons:

• Less competitive odds

Notable Markets:

• Map Winner

• First Blood

• Handicap Bets

10. Boxing

Boxing betting revolves around major events, with unique promotions and distinct betting markets, adding to the thrill of fight nights.

Pros:

• Major betting events

• Unique promotions

• Distinct betting markets

Cons:

• Infrequent events

Notable Markets:

• Method of Victory

• Round Group Betting

• Go the Distance

Best sports betting offers

What makes a sport the best to bet on?

• Popularity: Widely popular sports attract more betting markets and competitive odds.

• Availability of Data: Sports with abundant statistics and data help bettors make informed decisions.

• Variety of Markets: A range of betting options, like point spreads, over/under, and prop bets, adds excitement.

• Live Betting Opportunities: Sports with live betting options allow for real-time engagement and strategy.

• Regular Events: Frequent games or matches provide more opportunities to bet and win.

• Promotions and Bonuses: Sports with special promotions and bonuses can enhance potential winnings.

• Expert Analysis: Access to expert opinions and insights helps bettors make smarter bets.

How to choose the best sport to bet on for you?

Choosing the best sport to bet on involves considering several factors.

First, focus on sports you enjoy and understand well, as your passion and knowledge can provide an edge.

Look for sports with ample data and expert analysis to help make informed bets.

Opt for sports with a variety of betting markets, offering more opportunities to find favorable odds.

Consider the frequency of events, as regular games provide more chances to place bets. If you enjoy live action, choose sports that offer live betting for a dynamic and exciting experience.

Additionally, check for special promotions and bonuses that can boost your potential winnings.

Finally, match the sport’s betting volatility with your risk tolerance, as some sports are more predictable while others are more unpredictable.

By evaluating these factors, you can find the sport that best suits your betting style and preferences.

Once you've chosen a sport to bet on, make sure to use a safe and legal sports betting site or app, we've written comprehensive guides for both:

• Best sports betting sites

• Best sports betting apps

Contributors

Josh Miller

Author

Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO. With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL. Josh also writes extensively about online casinos, providing expert insights into games, bonuses, and gambling trends. His engaging and informative content makes him a reliable resource for Sporting Post readers.

Bradley Gibbs

Editor

Muckrack

With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and analyst specializing in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf. His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication. Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.