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On August 16, Entain, a global leader in sports betting and gaming, revealed that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have shattered previous betting records. Compared to the Tokyo 2020 Games, global betting volumes for Paris have doubled, reflecting an unprecedented level of engagement from sports fans worldwide.
The Paris Olympics saw a significant rise in betting interest across various sports. The top sports by betting volume included:
Swimming made a notable appearance in the top ten sports, replacing Water Polo. This surge in popularity is largely attributed to Katie Ledecky, who clinched her ninth Olympic gold medal in Paris. Among the events, the Men’s Basketball final drew the most attention. The clash between the USA and France captured widespread interest, particularly through Entain’s BetMGM US platform.
Athletics experienced a significant boost in betting interest, moving into the top ten. The Men’s 100m final, featuring American sprinter Noah Lyles, was particularly popular. Despite some struggles in earlier rounds, Lyles’ victory provided bettors with a lucrative return as his odds drifted from 5/4 to 9/2.
In contrast, the Men’s 1500m final delivered one of the best outcomes for Entain. Expected to be a showdown between Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr, the race saw a surprising victory by Cole Hocker, an outsider with odds of 20/1. This unexpected result highlighted the diverse range of betting opportunities at the Games.
The Paris Olympics, featuring 329 gold medals across 32 sports and approximately 2,000 events, provided an extensive array of betting options. The time zone advantage of Paris over Tokyo allowed Entain customers a more convenient viewing and betting experience.
This edition of the Games also saw a rise in interest for traditionally less popular sports. Betting volumes for Swimming, Hockey, Rowing, Surfing, Archery, Canoeing, and Climbing all doubled compared to Tokyo 2020.
Arild Ostbo, Head of Sports at Entain, commented, “This was an unforgettable Olympics in Paris where global superstars showcased their athletic prowess. The world’s biggest sports event continues to grow in popularity and betting interest. For our customers, the time zone of Paris compared to Tokyo three years ago provided a much better window for people to engage and bet on.”