Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with billions of people religiously following their favorite teams. Aside from watching, many fans also love betting on games throughout the season.
Many of the biggest sportsbooks offer their own online casino platforms, too. These sites provide endless hours of entertainment and excellent bonuses. As a result, a growing number of soccer lovers are crossing over to try their luck at casino table games and online slots.
The Popularity of Soccer Betting
According to FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, there are around five billion fans around the world. While not all of them are diehard supporters, there’s still a huge number of people who watch games every week. In addition, a large percentage of them are also betting on the sport.
It’s difficult to truly measure how popular soccer betting is, but Bloomberg performed an analysis of the 2022 World Cup. It found that an incredible $35 billion was bet on matches during the tournament (a 65% increase from the previous edition).
Soccer betting has been popular across Europe for decades, but it’s now available to many people in the U.S. as well. Many states have legalized sportsbooks, both online and off. These bookmakers provide a range of markets for World Cup, Premier League, MLS, and Champions League games. The very best sites offer betting opportunities on literally hundreds of global competitions.
Online sportsbooks have also made betting easier and better than ever. It’s incredibly straightforward to sign up, make a deposit, and start betting on the latest games taking place around the world. In addition, many of these sportsbooks also feature other ways to stay entertained.
The Emergence of Online Casinos
Online gambling isn’t only about sports betting. Most gambling platforms now offer online casino games too. These allow you to experience the thrill of a real casino without ever leaving the house. The last few years have seen an increasing number of people signing up to play, drawn in by generous bonuses and the chance to win big jackpots.
Many online casinos have specifically targeted fans of soccer with, for example, sports-themed slots and special promotions centered around big games. These sites have also benefited from better regulations. Proper licensing clearly indicates to players which casinos they can trust. Improved regulation has made people feel more comfortable signing up and depositing their hard-earned dollars.
Why Soccer Lovers Are Playing Casino Games Online
There are many reasons why casino gaming appeals to those who love soccer. Here are some of the biggest factors in why there’s such a crossover between the two.
Winning Real Money
When comparing sports betting to casinos, the two are very different. But there are still a few similarities. Both involve staking money, for instance. It’s this risk that makes all forms of gambling so exciting, knowing that you have the chance to win or lose real money.
There’s certainly a thrill to be had in landing a big win, whether through playing slots or betting on a sporting event. However, reputable betting companies encourage responsible gambling, rather than encouraging players to recklessly chase a dream. Players always have access to support through self-exclusions and deposit and wager limits if they feel that things are getting out of control.
Game Variety
There are thousands of soccer fixtures taking place every week throughout the season. Whether it’s international friendlies, domestic leagues, or cup competitions, bettors always have many options to choose from. Every individual game also features plenty of unique markets, giving fans more freedom over how they bet.
There’s a plethora of different casino games, too. This includes hundreds of table games and literally tens of thousands of online slots. Some of these titles are even based on sports, like Let’s Soccer and Football: Champions Cup. Just like with sports betting, you have the choice of trying lower-risk options for smaller payouts or shooting to win big jackpots.
Accessibility
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why so many soccer fans choose to play at online casinos is how accessible they are. It’s never been easier to sign up to play at legal and trusted sites.
Online gaming is now possible from your mobile device, meaning you’re able to play anywhere you like. Of course, many sports fans already have an account at an online sportsbook. As these sites began to offer casino games too, it was natural for soccer enthusiasts to try them out.
The Competitive Aspect
Soccer is a highly competitive game and its fans take things extremely seriously. Their love for competition is part of what makes them so passionate about the sport. Casino games played against other people, like online poker, are also highly competitive.
Many fans have become interested in online poker tournaments as a result, particularly freeroll events which can be enjoyed without risk. These give players the chance to win big prizes while beating human opponents.
Marketing
Soccer has close ties to the gambling industry. Many teams, stadiums, and competitions are sponsored by bookmakers. You’ll see many sports betting ads aired during major games, either on television or in and around the stadium itself.
Online casinos have recognized the potential for growth among sports fans and have used marketing to target these people. Sites offer welcome bonuses and other promotions to encourage people to join. Not only that, but regular sportsbook users may receive special rewards directly to their accounts. These encourage them to try out the casino, playing new games alongside soccer betting.
The Passion and Thrills of Online Casinos
Much like a game of soccer, playing at an online casino brings much excitement and tension. Games like slots are easy to play but offer the potential for huge wins, while table games like blackjack and poker feature strategy and tactics.
Many fans of soccer are signing up to play casino games online. Find out why when you register and make your first deposit at Borgata Online. Discover hundreds of exciting games and experience the thrills of online casino gaming today.