No one can deny it: gambling is an old habit of human beings that will remain forever! Even when the ancients did not yet call it “gambling,” games with dice and other similar forms were already present in old times.
Since the concept of gambling took shape in the 11th century, many forms have been invented since then, up to modern-day online casinos and sports betting.
Since the early 2000s, online sports betting has gained tremendous popularity worldwide, and as a result, the trend of people who bet online continues to grow by leaps and bounds!
Because of the growing popularity of online betting, many countries have regulated the industry. But, of course, there are also countries where sports betting is banned. Such restrictions result in few international bookmakers and low popularity of sports betting among people.
Therefore, the restrictions or legalization of sports betting affect the popularity or otherwise of the country’s business. This law difference has made it easy to bet on everything in some world nations.
Which countries in the world have the highest number of sports bettors?
Whenever gambling is mentioned, the glittering images of Las Vegas come to mind, which is why the United States has long been considered a gambling nation.
However, this country is not the world’s biggest gambler, as many might think!
Among the world’s biggest gamblers, there are also less suspicious countries: here is the list where sports betting is more common.
China
Casino gambling is still banned in China but is allowed in Hong Kong and Macau. However, authorities allow sports betting and other games of chance.
As a result, sports betting attracts a considerable number of Chinese gamblers.
United Kingdom
If you have already been to England in your life, you surely know that sports and betting are among the main passions of most Britons.
In fact, they have become so firmly embedded in the country’s culture that it is hard to imagine England without betting.
And do you know what? It is because of the British love for soccer matches that sports betting is highly popular! This is mainly because the flagship league, the Premier League, has a huge fan base and is one of the most-watched leagues in the world.
Australia
In Australian culture, we know that most people in this country place sports bets both live and online.
In addition, Australian betting companies have expanded their presence in other countries and are now also growing internationally.
Canada
Canadians, probably during the long cold days of winter, enjoy different types of gambling: lotteries, betting, card games, and more. However, to this day, the government tries to control the gambling business by shutting down online casinos or tightening the eligibility for a license.
India
In India, online gambling-like many other industries-is exploding.
The population of the Indian subcontinent is very attracted to international bookmakers who are becoming increasingly popular.
However, sports betting throughout India is prohibited by law, depending on each region’s regulations. But Indians are smart about this, too: many decide to use VPN to avoid problems with the law without giving up the fun!
Kenya and Nigeria: The African countries where online games are most played
Kenya was the first country in Africa where gambling was legalized, specifically in 1966.
However, given the stringent rules introduced recently, many local players have turned to online sports betting using a VPN, just as in the case of India.
Nigerians, also love to bet on sports, but they have only been able to do so for a few years since the National Lottery Regulation Commission regularized sports betting in 2005.
Mexico
Mexico has minimal restrictions on sports betting, which is why more people are deciding to try their luck by betting online, maybe while eating some delicious tacos!
Singapore
The city-state of Singapore, from the point of view of physical facilities dedicated to gambling, ranks right behind Macau and Las Vegas.
Here we find many legal casinos designed primarily for tourists, while locals must pay an entrance fee.
About online games, unfortunately, Singaporeans are still forbidden to gamble, but anyone who travels to Singapore for tourism and wants to play blackjack from their hotel pool is welcome to do so!
Italy
Did you know that in addition to pasta and pizza, Italians love slot machines? Half of all gambling revenue comes from slots! In addition, the inhabitants of this beautiful South European country are obsessed with soccer, and almost everyone decides to bet on the winner before watching the game.
Spain
Spaniards, just like Italians, root passionately for their favorite teams. In fact, very often, even though they may know that their team will not win, they prefer to bet on it to win if they don’t jinx it!
Yes, that’s right, Spanish people, for their favorite team, would risk their savings with no problem!
Moreover, gambling in Spain is legal, so the state has a reliable source of revenue just from betting and legal gambling.
Finland
Even a country of quiet people like Finland loves to gamble!
And we’re not saying that, but the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health! In fact, according to reported data, more than 41% of the country’s adult population gambles weekly.
However, the minimum age for gambling was increased to 18 in 2011, up from 15 in previous years, to discourage gambling among children.
As in most European states, Finland’s national lottery company is owned by the government and managed by the Ministry of Education, making the company’s revenue go to education, culture, and the arts.