Published: August 21, 2023, 03:23h.
Last updated: August 21, 2023, 03:23h.
Global gaming operator Entain has observed a significant increase in betting activity during the recently concluded 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The final match between England and Spain witnessed a surge in both the number of bets placed by women and overall competition.
The company operating Ladbrokes, Coral, and other popular betting brands reported that bets placed by women accounted for an impressive 21% of the total during England’s initial three matches. In comparison, the 2022 Women’s European Championship saw a slightly lower percentage of 17%, while the previous World Cup in 2019 had only 13% of bets placed by women.
Entain’s recent acquisition, New Zealand’s Tab NZ betting operator, also reaped the benefits of their sponsorship in the competition. Female bettors accounted for 15% of all wagers made through the operator, a significant increase compared to the meager 9% recorded in 2019.
Soccer Betting Surges
Tab NZ experienced a massive surge of 365% in the number of wagers placed on this year’s Women’s World Cup soccer tournament. Additionally, Australia witnessed a rise of nearly 200% in betting, attributed to their impressive journey to the round of 16.
In the United States, there has also been a surge in soccer gambling, with the US Women’s National Team leading the way. BetMGM, the betting platform operated by Entain and MGM Resorts International, recorded a threefold increase in bets during the US Women’s match versus Vietnam, surpassing Lionel Messi’s debut with Inter Miami CF.
In July, the German Sports University Cologne published a study revealing the expanding sports betting market. Soccer has experienced a staggering surge in popularity among bettors since 2020, with an annual growth rate of about 20%.
Corresponding to the increase in popularity, soccer also leads in the amount of money invested in bets. The research also indicated a significant increase in the number of women participating in betting on women’s soccer every year.
Spain Celebrates Historic Win
Spain made history by winning their first Women’s World Cup, defeating England 1-0 in a thrilling final before 80,000 spectators. Left back Olga Carmona scored for Spain in the 29th minute, with a pass from Mariona Caldentey, sealing the victory for Spain.
“La Roja” achieved a monumental feat by becoming the fifth country to win the Women’s World Cup. Spain joins Germany as the only countries to claim victory in both the men’s and women’s tournaments, winning in their debut at the final.
Spain also avenged their quarter-final loss to England in last year’s European Championship with this victory.
The Swedish team secured the bronze medal for the second consecutive Women’s World Cup by defeating the host team, the Australian Matildas, with a score of 2-0.
Sweden demonstrated their superiority in controlling the ball since the start of the game, taking the lead within the first 30 minutes. Australia attempted a comeback, but Sweden’s defensive prowess proved insurmountable.
With this achievement, Sweden has won the bronze medal in the Women’s World Cup for the fourth time.