Wide World

If two people can find some way to compete against each other, it is a sure bet that two other people will be ready to watch and make bets on who wins. Sports betting is as old as sports itself. There are records of Romans betting on gladiatorial contests and chariot races. Although poker tournaments on television and online casinos have taken the spotlight of the gambling world in recent years, some of the most hardcore action still revolves around the sports book and the point spread.

While action on the National Football League (NFL) or the annual NCAA men’s basketball championship tournament might be the most visible types of sports betting, it is by no means all there is. In fact, there are dozens of sports on which to bet. From several international professional soccer leagues, to Australian Rules football, to cricket, there are handicappers who will put a line on the games and bookies, both legal and otherwise, who will take the bets. Just as sportscaster Jim McKay proved with his classic show dating back to 1961, there really is a Wide World of Sports.

International Action

In that wide, wild world, soccer, or futbol in Spanish, is the king. Whereas gambling on pro football commands the largest segment of the sports betting business in the United States, soccer holds that position in the rest of the world. And unlike the NFL, there are numerous professional soccer leagues around the world. In South America, soccer is the only real sport. Soccer sports associations there date back to the late 19th century.

The most famous soccer competition is the World Cup. It is an event held every four years. The first cup was hosted in 1930 by Uruguay and won by Uruguay. Brazil won the cup in 2002. Also popular is the English Premiere League, but in that league it seems everyone pulls for Manchester United.

Down Under

Outside the United States a prime place to go for sports betting is Australia, where it is called “tipping.” To “tip” mean to place a bet, and sports betting is legal in Australia. In fact, employers can set up an office “tipping comp” (much like an office pool for the NCAA basketball tournament). Australia has its own major league sport – Australian Rules football – that has been around for 100 years. Aussies also follow the English Premiere League in soccer in addition to the national rugby union and cricket.