Betting On Different Sports

Last Updated: February 12, 2026

At online crypto sportsbooks, you’ll find many ways of betting on different sports, ranging from mainstream competitions to niche tournaments. 

It can be difficult to know where to start, so we’ve also picked out the best sports betting options. Keep reading to discover more about the myriad of betting markets available right now.

Why Sports Matter in Crypto Betting

There are countless advantages to using a cryptocurrency sportsbook, including much faster payouts and an extra layer of security when completing transactions. Furthermore, you’re likely to find a wider range of betting markets for upcoming events and a comprehensive live betting database, which includes real-time data and instant updates on all ongoing events. This results in a far broader range of betting options than you are likely to find using a traditional online sports betting site. 

If you’re thinking of signing up for one of our recommended crypto sportsbooks, make sure you check out all of our in-depth reviews, including details of the generous welcome bonus and innumerable promotions for existing users.

The popularity of different sports tends to differ geographically; however, there are numerous events which enjoy global popularity, and these tend to be prioritised by online crypto sportsbooks. We’ve catalogued the most popular options for cryptocurrency users who enjoy betting on different sports, so you can take a look and see if your favourite sport features on our list.

Soccer Betting

Visit any of our approved crypto betting sites, and you’ll doubtless see multiple soccer betting markets advertised on the home page. It is a global game and a clear leader when it comes to the total amount wagered each year. 

One of the major advantages of soccer betting is the sheer simplicity, making it the best sport for beginners betting. The rules aren’t particularly complex, and most of the markets tend to be fairly self-explanatory. It is also a sport which is ideal for live wagering, and the majority of football crypto betting sportsbooks allow users to place in-play bets and live stream ongoing fixtures. 

Let's take a look at some of the most popular soccer competitions:

Event When does it take place?
FIFA World CupEvery four years
UEFA Champions LeagueSeptember - June
UEFA Europa LeagueSeptember - June
English Premier LeagueAugust - May
UEFA European Championships Every four years
African Cup of Nations (AFCON)Every two years
Italian Serie AAugust - May
Spanish La Liga August - May
Major League SoccerFebruary - November

 

The number of betting markets per match is likely to vary considerably, although many crypto sites can offer a wider selection of possibilities. It tends to depend on the popularity of the event; however, most of the standout crypto betting sites featured on this site will have a minimum of 250 options for soccer bettors to consider. 

Popular markets include: 

  • Win / Draw / Win - Also known as 1X2 or Match Result, this requires bettors to predict the outcome of the match. 
  • Overs/Unders - Also known as Totals, the line tends to be set at 2.5 goals. Players must decide whether the number of goals in the game will exceed this pre-determined total. 
  • Both Teams to Score - Does exactly what it says on the tin. Predict whether both teams will score a goal during the contest. You can also wager on both teams not to score. 
  • Handicaps - An alternative way of levelling the playing field. A virtual goal deficit will be applied to the favourite, and they must overcome this. 

 

Take a look at our crypto sportsbook reviews to compare the soccer betting offering of our recommended sites.

Jack Critchley Opinion Picture

Expert Opinion

Jack Critchley

Football is the ideal starting point for new bettors. The rules are simple to follow, and the sheer number of matches and betting markets will give you ample opportunities to test your knowledge of the game.

Jack Critchley Sports Betting and iGaming Writer, Tipster and Broadcaster.

Tennis Betting

Tennis betting accounted for 7% of global sports betting revenue in 2024 and is one of the most popular sports with crypto bettors. It is the ultimate sport for live betting, with punters able to wager on a point-by-point basis, and the fast-moving nature of the sport allows for mass fluctuations in the odds. 

The tennis calendar is stacked with events taking place all year round, and although the Grand Slam events tend to dominate. It has consistently ranked amongst the most popular sports with European sportsbooks, and players love to follow all the ebbs and flows of the ATP and WTA tours. 

Let's take a look at some of the standout events on the tennis calendar:

Event When does it take place?
Australian OpenJanuary
French OpenMay
Wimbledon June/July
US OpenAugust 
ATP Finals October/November

There is a wealth of betting markets that can be explored. Some matches are deemed to be one-sided contests, so you’re unlikely to find much value in simply backing the favourite to succeed. However, markets tend to settle quicker with crypto sportsbooks, so if you create an accumulator, consisting of a handful of short-priced favourites, you’re likely to be paid out swiftly. 

Tennis bettors who use Crypto sites are also able to take advantage of the alternative options presented to them, which enhances the betting possibilities.

Popular markets include:

  • Player to Win - Simply bet on the player that you believe will be victorious
  • Over/Under Games - Predict whether the match will go beyond the predetermined number of games. This is likely to vary between tournaments and will depend on the players involved (e.g Over / Under 19.5 Games) 
  • Handicaps - A popular way of betting due to the one-sided nature of many matches. Predict whether the favourite will overcome the virtual deficit or whether the underdog will keep it close. 
  • Correct Score - Pick the correct score of the match. Will your chosen player win in straight sets, or will each competitor take a set and make it an entertaining encounter? 

 

Tennis is an individual pursuit, so it’s strongly advised to consider head-to-head records and recent match-ups before selecting your wager. Different conditions, altitudes and climates can greatly affect a player’s performance, so if you can keep track of these factors, you’re likely to improve your tennis betting.

Take a look at our tennis live betting strategy for tips on how to elevate your in-play betting potential.

Basketball Betting

There are many reasons for basketball’s long-standing popularity with sports bettors. The games, particularly in the NBA, are frequent, with some franchises playing every couple of days during the regular season. The action is fast-paced and high-scoring, and data is easily accessible. When it comes to betting on different sports, basketball is another excellent option for live sports bettors, as the momentum can change in the blink of an eye. 

It is a dynamic sport which can produce unpredictable outcomes, and there are always plenty of betting markets to choose from. 

Unlike soccer, the possibility of a draw is unlikely, which allows bettors to explore handicap (or spread) markets. Games are often close, and much of the action can take place in overtime. It is another sport which is ideal for those who prefer to wager on live markets.

Event When does it take place?
NBA Regular SeasonOctober-April
NBA PlayoffsApril-June
EuroLeagueSeptember-April
NCAANovember-March
WNBAMay-October

 

Many crypto bookmakers will price up 250+ markets per NBA match, with that number reducing slightly for fixtures of a lower profile. Points spreads and totals are the most common options for basketball bettors; however, the sport has seen an explosion of player prop markets in recent years, and these have become popular with stats-based bettors.

It’s time to run through some of the most popular betting options when it comes to wagering on basketball. 

  • Totals (Over/Under) - Predict whether the total number of points will exceed the tally which has been set by the bookmaker. 
  • Moneyline - Predict which team will be victorious. This is the ideal market for accumulators. 
  • Prop Bets - This often has no bearing on the outcome of the match. It focuses on player or team performance. Examples include total player assists and first basket scorer. 
  • Points Spread - Teams are listed with a + or - next to their name. The bookie will set the points spread, and this is their way of eveninging up the chances of each team. If you wager on a team on a -5.5 handicap, they must win by six clear points for a payout. 

 

 

Horse Racing Betting

Interest in horse racing remains strong amongst bettors. It is a fast-paced sport which produces thrilling finishes. One of the major factors in its appeal is that bettors do not have to wait long to find out if their wager is successful, with most races being completed in under five minutes. 

Statistics are rife, and there are a myriad of variables which players can use to assess the runners. Meetings take place globally, and fans of UK, Irish, French, US and Australian horse racing are able to follow the action 360+ days a year. The global accessibility of crypto sites will allow bettors to specialise in any of these markets and potentially carve out a profitable niche. 

We’ve picked out some of the marquee events which tend to be prioritised by horse racing crypto betting sites.

Event When does it take place?
Aintree Grand National April
Cheltenham Festival March
L’Arc d’TriompheOctober
Breeder’s CupNovember
Kentucky DerbyMay
Melbourne CupNovember
The Epsom Derby June
Dubai World CupMarch

 

The range of betting markets has steadily increased, with the majority of crypto bookmakers allowing players to wager on top 2, top 3, betting without the favourite, distances and exact placing markets. This has increased the options for fans of the sport. 

  • Win - Predict which horse will be first past the post 
  • Place - Pick a runner who is likely to finish in the top 2/3/4 (this will vary depending on the field size)
  • Each-Way- Half of your stake goes on the win market, with the other half going on the place market. Your horse needs to finish in the top 2/3/4 for a payout. 
  • Distance / To Win By - In seemingly one-sided events, you can choose a winning distance for the favourite. This will bolster your returns. Example - To Win by Over 4 Lengths. 

 

If you are armed with enough knowledge, betting on horse racing can be potentially lucrative, as there are very few short prices. Horse racing crypto sportsbooks possess a wealth of markets globally, allowing users to take advantage of a 24/7 schedule which includes meetings from Australia, Ireland, the US and South America.

Jack Critchley Opinion Picture

Expert Opinion

Jack Critchley

Horse racing has a complex terminology. It is strongly advised to watch and learn before betting on this sport. Once you are fully up to speed, you’ll be able to place better and more informed wagers on upcoming meetings.

Jack Critchley Sports Betting and iGaming Writer, Tipster and Broadcaster.

MMA / UFC

MMA and UFC can be highly unpredictable and exciting, making them a natural choice for sports bettors. There aren’t many easy sports to bet on, yet the relatively straightforward rules and the speed of the bout make it an accessible option for first-time crypto sportsbook users. 

The year–round schedule allows fans of the franchise to follow their favourite fighters, resulting in consistent betting opportunities. Crypto betting sites tend to offer odds for many of these contests weeks in advance, allowing plenty of time for research. 

Here is a selection of standout upcoming events on the MMA/UFC calendar:

Event When does it take place?
UFC Fight Night 266February 7th, 2026
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez February 21st, 2026
UFC Fight Night 269February 28th, 2026
UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira 2March 7th, 2026
UFC Fight Night 270March 14th, 2026
UFC White HouseJune 14th, 2026

There are many variables which must be considered by bettors. Placing a wager on UFC bouts is a fairly simple process, with considerations made for fighter styles, recent injuries and the mentality of each player. Fighters with hidden skills can often be underrated by the market, and it’s advised to go back and watch previous bouts, studying the style of each competitor. 

It is another sport which is perfectly set up for live betting, and many crypto sportsbooks offer copious in-play markets. Momentum can shift substantially, and if bettors can spot the early signs, this can be advantageous. 

Here are some of the most popular betting markets offered by the best online crypto sportsbooks. 

  • Outright Winner - Predict which fighter will be victorious. This is the easiest way of wagering on a bout. 
  • Total Rounds - If you’re unable or unwilling to pick a winner, this market allows punters to decide whether the fight will be longer or shorter than the pre-determined number set by the bookmaker. 
  • Round Betting - The bout will take place over several rounds and could be concluded at any stage. Bettors must pick the round in which the fighter will be successful. Lucrative odds may be available on the early or late rounds.
  • Method of Victory - Decide whether the winning fighter will clinch this contest by knock-out, technical knock-out, submission or decision.

 

eSports Betting

The ever-increasing popularity of eSports betting has been one of the stories of the last decade, and you will rarely find a crypto sportsbook without multiple markets on popular titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2 and CS:GO. One of the significant appeals of eSports is that tournaments tend to take place globally, creating a year-round schedule, and users can often find a match to wager on at any time of day. 

It is also popular with live bettors as many online betting sites offer live streams of ongoing games, allowing in-play players to get involved in various wagering opportunities and enabling them to respond to what they’re seeing on screen.

EventWhen does it take place?
ESL Pro LeagueMay
eSports World CupJuly-August
Mobile Legends Bang Bang Season CupJuly-August
The International (DOTA2)September
King Pro League Grand FinalsOctober-November
Kings CupNovember-December
LCK SeasonFebruary Onwards 

There are plenty of betting markets to choose from, although it will depend on your chosen game and crypto bookmaker. Examples include: 

  • Win - Which eSports team will be successful? 
  • Over/Under - This may refer to the number of rounds or kills. Either way, you will need to predict whether the result will be higher or lower than the bookmaker’s pre-determined line. 
  • Map Winner - Wager on the side that will win each map. They do not need to win the match for you to receive a payout in this market. 
  • Prop Bets - A smorgasbord of options for fans of prop bets. You could wager on the first kill or total kills for each player. These will not affect the overall outcome.  

 

It is vital that bettors are able to dedicate time to betting on eSports. There are a myriad of teams and franchises competing, and countless tournaments being staged worldwide. We would recommend concentrating on a small number of titles to ensure that you can sufficiently improve your knowledge and improve your eSports wagering.

Ice Hockey

Fast-paced and unpredictable, ice hockey is understandably popular with bettors and is yet another sport which lends itself to the live betting environment. Frequent momentum shifts and a vast array of crypto betting markets outside of totals and handicaps are all part of the appeal. 

Schedule is an important factor in hockey betting, and considerations must be made for hectic schedules and quick turnarounds. 

Best betting events - NHL, KHL, World Championship

Popular hockey markets: 

  • Correct Score - Attractive odds are available for bettors who can successfully predict the correct score. Hockey is a relatively low-scoring game, so the outcomes are far from endless. 
  • Double Chance - This gives bettors two options and is ideal for siding with an underdog. Also abbreviated to DC, this bet will payout if your chosen team are victorious or if it ends in a draw.

 

The opportunities for betting on different sports are plentiful, with many of our recommended crypto betting sites offering 25+ options. This is likely to fluctuate depending on the schedule. We’ve highlighted a handful of popular sports which are available with all online sportsbooks.

Golf

Getting to know the personalities and playing styles of the regular players on the tour is a significant part of the appeal. Bettors can place wagers covering the tournament as a whole or bet on shorter-term options such as the first-round leader market. 

Although it can be tempting to dip into the world of golf whenever there is a major taking place, it’s important to try and keep up with the professional golf tours as they offer valuable insight into how each player is likely to cope with course conditions and climate. 

Best betting events - The Masters, Ryder Cup, The Open

Popular golf markets: 

  • Tournament Winner - Predict which player will be triumphant. These often come with enhanced each-way terms for majors. 
  • First Round Leader - Can you pick out the player who will have the lowest score at the end of the first day?

Ice Hockey 

Fast-paced and unpredictable, ice hockey is understandably popular with bettors and is yet another sport which lends itself to the live betting environment. Frequent momentum shifts and a vast array of crypto betting markets outside of totals and handicaps are all part of the appeal. 

Schedule is an important factor in hockey betting, and considerations must be made for hectic schedules and quick turnarounds. 

Best betting events - NHL, KHL, World Championship

Popular hockey markets: 

  • Correct Score - Attractive odds are available for bettors who can successfully predict the correct score. Hockey is a relatively low-scoring game, so the outcomes are far from endless.
  • Double Chance - This gives bettors two options and is ideal for siding with an underdog. Also abbreviated to DC, this bet will payout if your chosen team are victorious or if it ends in a draw.

American Football 

American football has enjoyed a seismic rise in popularity recently, and it has been helped by staging games abroad. It is a stats-heavy sport, which results in several unique betting markets and with fan engagement and media coverage at an all-time high, it’s far easier to get hold of key statistics and information, which results in a far more insightful betting experience. 

Stats play such an important role in this sport, and watching the coverage is essential if you wish to improve your profitability.

Best betting events - NFL, CFL, NCAA

Popular American Football markets:

  • Points Totals - Correctly predict whether the total points recorded in the match will exceed the pre-determined tally by the bookmaker.
  • Touchdown Scorer - You can wager on a player to score the first, last or anytime touchdown during the contest. Some crypto sites will also allow bets on 2+ or 3+ touchdowns.

Cricket 

A slower-paced sport which is simple and easy to understand. Although it has pockets of intense popularity, cricket bettors enjoy wagering on all forms of the game, including T20 and one-day internationals. Cricket betting markets are plentiful with players able to predict top batsman, top bowler, and you can even put money on the pre-match coin toss. 

Conditions, such as the weather and the state of the pitch, can play an important role in shifting the narrative, so these simply have to be considered before any wager is placed. 

Best betting events - IPL, Big Bash, The Ashes

Popular cricket markets:

  • Top Batsman - Pick the batsman who will score the most runs in the match. You may also select which batsman will hit the most runs for their respective teams.
  • Top Bowler - Pick the bowler who will take the most wickets during the match.
Jack Critchley Opinion Picture

Expert Opinion

Jack Critchley

It is impossible to keep up to date with every single sport. Bettors should find a niche and stick to it. Research and knowledge of the sport and keeping up with the latest trends are always likely to give you an edge.

Jack Critchley Sports Betting and iGaming Writer, Tipster and Broadcaster.

Which Sport Should You Bet On?

When it comes to betting on different sports, there are endless debates online about which are the easiest competitions and events for beginners. It is a fairly objective question, and various sports are likely to suit different sports bettors. Football, basketball and tennis are the obvious places to start, given their accessibility and simple rules, and there are always plenty of wagering options available.

SportBest For BeginnersBest for Live Betting Best for Stats BettorsRisk Level
Football

Premier League, UEFA Champions League

Eredivisie, EFL Championship, Major League Soccer La Liga, Serie AModerate
TennisATP and WTA ToursWimbledon, US Open, Australian Open, French OpenATP, WTA ToursModerate
BasketballNBANBA, NCAANBAModerate
eSportsFIFA, eSoccer, Counter Strike 2League of Legends Dota 2 / ValorantHigh
UFC / MMAUFC Fight Nights UFC Fight Nights UFC Fight Nights Low
Horse Racing US Racing UK National Hunt racing Flat racing in the UK and IrelandHigh
GolfPGA TourRyder CupUS OpenModerate
     

Tips for Successful Betting Across Sports

Before diving headfirst into sports betting, there are several important factors to consider. Crypto sportsbooks are well-stocked, and you won’t have to wait long for the next event to begin, so our first tip is to take your time and not rush your next wager. 

You must ensure that you understand the rules of each sport and, crucially, check the betting rules too. Check to see if your market includes overtime or extra time, as this can make a sizeable difference to your potential returns. 

It’s strongly advised to narrow it down to one or two sports and choose a specialism. This will improve focus, and you’ll avoid rushing your bets. There is plenty of data available, and you should use these stats to hone your betting; however, you must also trust your own instinct, too. 

Finally, bankroll management is key to long-term profit. You can adjust your stake accordingly with crypto sportsbooks, so having a clear bankroll and staking system will help you bet sensibly and avoid reckless wagering.

FAQs