8 Most Profitable Sports Betting Markets to Try in 2025

With iGaming and online casinos growing in the gambling sector, it is no surprise that sports betting has become a rather lucrative manner of spending one's free time. For long-term punters or individuals who are looking to get back into it, expanding your horizons outside of UK betting sites can help significantly. 

For example, if you wish to break away from GamStop restrictions, the sites featured on the ultimate guide to non-GamStop bookmakers are ideal as they offer a wider range of betting markets. The recommended bookmakers are regulated and ensure player safety and security. Here are some additional sports betting markets to check out in 2025:

1. Football - A Global Betting Giant

Football is arguably one of the biggest sports betting markets in recent years, with the popularity of this sport during leagues and tournaments skyrocketing. Of course, popularity is great when it comes to sports betting as this means higher bets, higher odds, and, naturally, the potential for higher earnings. For example, the Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues both draw in massive bets per match, and in turn, mean higher profit which makes for a very lucrative option.

2. The NFL Betting Boom

While American football, the NFL specifically, is a country-specific sport, it is one of the biggest competitive games in the US, and especially during large events such as the Super Bowl it pulls in billions of dollars worth of revenue. Narrowing it down to betting, these NFL tournaments make for large investments by many punters, even more so now that gambling is being legalised across the country. This means punters can experience the thrill of the game, cheer for their favourite teams, and get a nice profit if their team wins!

3. Basketball All Year Around

Where basketball is concerned, there are so many options for entertainment that betting on your favourite team is quick and easy, meaning you have an increased potential for winning big. If you are not a fan of mainstream basketball, such as matches from the NBA or Euro League, then perhaps consider catching a game with one of the very talented basketball college teams as these unlimited options just open the door for higher profits.

4. Esports - Perfect for Gamers

If sports are not up your alley, Esports is another way to enjoy your favourite niche and capitalise on it to pull in some high winnings. With games such as Counter-Strike: GO, Dota 2, Fortnite, and Call of Duty dominating the Esports sector, and gaming rapidly growing in popularity, it is no surprise that so many players have flocked in. For example, skin betting and in-play are two ways for gamers to place their bets, unwind with a gaming session (or just watch their favourite gamers), and earn numerous winnings.

5. Tennis & Live Betting

Entering a more niche sports betting market, tennis has proved to be lucrative due to the frequency at which matches are played every day, which means higher odds. Placing a bet on your favourite tennis player and understanding the mechanics and potential outcome for each game can earn you large winnings.

6. Return to Classics: Horse Racing

One cannot go wrong with a long-time gambling classic such as horse racing, and despite being an older sports betting market, it proves just as lucrative as other, newer sports betting sectors. For example, the Kentucky Derby still sees an influx of sportsmen and punters alike, with last year seeing the program's day card reaching a whopping $320.5 million in bets, beating previous years' by more than $100 million! The Grand National is another horse racing attraction that sees a large number of exotic bets being placed, including parlays and trifectas, which prove quite profitable.

7. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

For fans of more hands-on sports, it seems the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) scene has taken off in recent years, with more punters scrambling to capitalise on the opportunity to win big on the victory of their favourite fighters. The UFC is now finding a global home, and in turn, is seeing a larger number of method-of-victory wagers and knock-out bets being placed to win big and enjoy the thrill of a match alongside friends.

8. Cricket - A Rising Star

Lastly, cricket might not be the biggest global sport, but it has begun to grow in popularity where sports betting is concerned, which can only mean good things for punters looking to dabble in this sportsbook market. T20 leagues such as the IPL have gained much traction in many countries, where there is a steady growth in fan bases and individuals ready to place their bets. For one, these cricket programs and leagues offer players some amazing betting options, including player performance props and match-winner bets.

Conclusion

Sports betting markets are ever-growing and ever-expanding, meaning punters have unlimited betting options to choose from. And in 2025, new doors have opened that has made sports betting that much easier (with most platforms being a few clicks away), meaning a surge of interest (or activity) in these sectors should not come as a surprise. Overall, sports betting is a great way to make some extra money, as long as gambling is done responsibly!

Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.