Grand National Tops Entain’s Global Betting Rankings for 2025
The Grand National has once again emerged as the most bet-on sporting event in the world, according to newly released 2025 data from Entain, as reviewed by iGaming News Today. The annual rankings, based on sportsbook activity across Entain’s international portfolio including BetMGM in the United States, offer a clear view into how bettors engaged with major sporting moments over the past year.
While the Super Bowl remained a major global betting driver, finishing second overall, horse racing continued to show strong international appeal. Alongside the Grand National, UK racing fixtures such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup and multiple days of the Cheltenham Festival featured prominently, reinforcing racing’s position as a cornerstone of global betting activity beyond its traditional markets.
American football delivered consistent wagering volumes throughout the NFL postseason. In addition to the Super Bowl, both the AFC and NFC Championship Games ranked highly, highlighting the importance of playoff moments and standalone broadcast events. Prime-time fixtures, including Thursday and Monday Night Football, also appeared within the top rankings, underlining how televised, event-led games continue to drive engagement.
Football betting in 2025 was concentrated around decisive matches rather than domestic league schedules. Major finals such as the UEFA Champions League Final, Club World Cup Final, Nations League Final, and Copa Libertadores Final all ranked among the most bet-on events globally. Manchester United versus Liverpool stood out as the most popular domestic club fixture, appearing twice within the top 50.
Golf also recorded a notable shift. The Masters climbed into the top three most bet-on events worldwide, while no other major tournament made the top 50. This reflects a bettor preference for events that combine history, prestige, and global attention.
As iGaming News Today observes, Entain’s data points to a clear behavioural trend. In 2025, betting engagement was driven less by season-long narratives and more by singular, globally resonant sporting moments that deliver clear outcomes and competitive jeopardy. For operators, rights holders, and marketers, the findings offer valuable insight into where global betting attention continues to concentrate.
