FIFA tournaments induce sports betting uptick
According to a survey assigned by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) the men’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar has been labelled as a key factor in the increase of UK gambling participation.
Conducted by Yonder Consulting firm, the survey found that betting on the world cup was more of a social experience as opposed to typical football betting where winnings are the driving factor.
The survey questioned spectators subsequent to the tournament’s conclusion in December 2022 who reported betting on the World Cup or playing a related free-to-play game during the tournament.
Survey findings
Yonder then contacted these same 811 participants in March of the following year to assess their gambling behaviour.
The survey indicated that gambling participation had seen an uptick among the survey participants, including the proportion that bet on football online.
This is even more significant given that the amount being placed on football bets had seen a sizeable decrease 4 weeks after the World Cup.
Additionally, it was reported that there was an increase in betting activity that can also be attributed to a need to add excitement to a match. Further to this, many people reported that the chance to gamble with friends played another important factor in the increase.
The regulator has confirmed that the full datasets regarding the survey will be released at a later date.
Further findings
Data collection regarding gambling behaviour has also occurred with gaming operator Entain announcing that more women than ever before are betting on the soon to conclude 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
The operator’s brand Ladbrokes and Coral in the UK have recorded that in the first 3 England games, an increase from 17 to 21 percent female betting participation occurred when comparing the 2023 tournament to the Women’s Euros in 2022 which had already seen an uptick from the 13 percent at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
Commenting on the findings, Entain’s chief commercial officer, Dominic Grounsell had this to say:
“Around the world, there is a growing audience and appetite for women’s sports. The facts say it all. More of our customers are finding new ways to support their favourite teams – and that’s with a bet.”
SiGMA Balkans/CIS
As a globally recognised nexus for networking, SiGMA Group sets its sights next to the Balkans this September, when the SIGMA Balkans/CIS Summit heads to Limassol Cyprus.
A host of networking opportunities and industry-leading knowledge will be emanating from the much-anticipated event which will pack panel discussions, keynote speeches, start-up pitches and much more into 3 days in the diverse Cypriot city.
