According to recent figures released by the sports betting company Entain, the Grand National has once again emerged as the largest betting event of the year. This prestigious horse race, held annually at Aintree in northern England, continues to capture the attention of bettors worldwide.
Entain, which operates several notable brands including Ladbrokes in the UK and Australia, BetMGM in North America, and Coral in the UK, provided insights into various global betting trends. The Grand National, first run in 1839, remains a high-profile event, attracting a diverse audience and significant wagering activity.
Super Bowl and Other Major Events Follow
Following the Grand National, the Super Bowl ranks as the second most popular betting event globally. Entain described it as a “global betting phenomenon,” highlighting its ability to engage a vast array of sports fans. The data also revealed that major televised games, particularly playoff matchups like Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football, serve as critical drivers for betting activity.
The analysis identified two NFL games from the opening weeks of the 2025 season that made it into Entain’s top 20 betting events. The first was the highly anticipated season opener, followed closely by a matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens.
Diverse Global Sports Appeal
Entain’s research also showcased the appeal of global football, with finals dominating the betting landscape. The Champions League Final secured the fifth position, followed by the Club World Cup Final and the Nations League Final at seventh and ninth, respectively. The Copa Libertadores Final also made an appearance at nineteenth place. Notably, the Europa League Final found its spot at fifteenth, illustrating the ongoing interest in high-stakes matches involving well-known clubs.
Domestic football fixtures also feature prominently in the betting landscape, with the historic rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool emerging as the most popular domestic event globally. Additionally, the US Masters ranked as the third highest betting event of the year, underscoring the significant interest in golf.
Greg Ferris, Managing Director of Sports at Entain, remarked, “From Cheltenham to the Super Bowl, and from Champions League to the Libertadores Final, this list shows how our customers’ interests span continents and sports.” He emphasized that both the Grand National and the Super Bowl are cultural phenomena that extend beyond sports, becoming annual traditions for recreational bettors.
The diversity reflected in the top 50 events illustrates Entain’s expansive reach and the varied passions of millions of fans around the world. As the betting landscape continues to evolve, events like the Grand National and the Super Bowl will likely maintain their status as major highlights in the global sports calendar.
