What Are the Best Sports to Bet On? Complete Guide (2026)
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Last Updated: 17 December, 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: