Sportsbooks say interest in Olympics betting is growing

Sportbooks are making the claim that dominant US basketball and soccer teams could increase interest in wagering activity during the upcoming Olympic Games, according to a recent Associated Press report.

BetMGM Sportsbook spokesman John Ewing shared his thoughts with the Associated Press and said he believes this year’s Games could bring in a significantly larger number of bets.

He commented, “We expect this to be the most bet-on Olympics in the history of legal sports betting.”

Several factors could play into how US players will engage in betting, including a larger number of states that currently provide access to legalized sports betting.

American Gaming Association spokesman Joe Maloney stated that nearly 40% of the US adult population, or 97 million Americans, had access to legal sports wagering and could place bets on the Olympics in their home state three years ago.

That number has grown to 164 million, or 67% of the adult population, Maloney said.

Experts have noted that the location of the Olympics could affect betting statistics as well, the report said. The six-hour time difference from Paris to New York could potentially create a more convenient betting window for US players when compared to the 13-hour difference three years ago when the Games were held in Tokyo.

Traditionally, however, the Olympics has not been seen as a particularly lucrative venture for the industry.

Laura Mack

Visit Profile

Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.