Most Popular Sports for Betting in May 2025
May 2025 brings an exciting mix of sports that bettors are flocking to, from football and tennis to motorsports and emerging niche events. Football remains the undisputed leader, with major tournaments like the UEFA Europa League final, CAF Champions League final, and AFC Women’s Champions League final drawing massive betting volumes. Fans increasingly favor live, in-play betting and prop markets, such as predicting next goal scorers, corner counts, and match events, making football bets highly dynamic.
Tennis is another favorite, highlighted by prestigious events like the French Open and Italian Open. Bettors often leverage AI-driven stats and player
performance metrics, analyzing surfaces, head-to-head records, and recent form to identify value bets. Event-specific promotions and enhanced odds are popular during Grand Slam events, adding extra excitement to wagering.
Motorsports continue to gain traction, with Formula 1, MotoGP, and Formula E rounds such as the Miami Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix, and Tokyo ePrix offering intense betting opportunities. Fans favor in-play bets on lap leaders, podium finishes, and fastest laps, while fantasy motorsport and virtual race simulations provide continuous engagement even between live events.
Horse racing, anchored by marquee events like the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, attracts bettors seeking multi-bet strategies such as accumulators, exactas, and trifectas. Special promotions, risk-free bets, and leaderboard competitions for Triple Crown events keep betting excitement high.
Esports and virtual sports are increasingly mainstream, with tournaments in CS:GO, League of Legends, and Valorant alongside computer-generated simulations for football and basketball. These digital-first events appeal to younger bettors seeking fast-paced, strategy-driven betting opportunities around the clock.
Other growing markets include cycling, futsal, beach handball, and squash, where bettors enjoy higher odds and niche markets. Platforms are responding with targeted promotions and smaller competitions to attract players seeking alternatives to traditional sports.
Overall, May 2025 showcases a blend of high-volume traditional sports and emerging digital markets, providing bettors with options ranging from strategic analysis-based bets to fast-paced, in-play wagering. Understanding each sport’s trends, betting styles, and available promotions allows players to maximize engagement and potential returns.
| Sport | Key Betting Appeal | Major May 2025 Events |
|---|
| Football ⚽ | In-play betting, prop markets | UEFA Europa League final, CAF Champions League final, AFC Women’s Champions League final |
| Tennis 🎾 | AI-assisted predictions, surface-based analysis | French Open, Italian Open |
| Motorsports 🏎️ | Live bets, fantasy & virtual races | Miami Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix, Tokyo ePrix |
| Horse Racing 🏇 | Multi-bet strategies, leaderboards | Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes |
| Esports & Virtual Sports 🎮 | Fast-paced, 24/7 betting | CS:GO, League of Legends, virtual football |
| Niche Sports 🎯 | High odds, emerging markets | Beach handball, futsal, cycling, squash |