What % of the interest in pro sports is strictly gambling related?

[cleaveland]

I would say 25%-50% depending on the league.

[LT Profits]

I like the OVER

[RubberKettle]

In sports like MLB and NFL it can't be that high.

So many people watch and have no idea what the lines are.

No way 1 in every 2 people watching the NFL has $ on it.

[rm18]

not even close at least if you dont count fantasy sports

[Brock Landers]

easily over 50%

[rsnnh12]

Less than 5%

Most people watch sports because they enjoy them, not strictly to gamble on. If people couldn't gamble on them, I would say at least 95% still tune in anyway

[rm18]

look at espn streak for cash sometimes 90% of guys pick the underdog, some books are lucky to have 100 guys betting a day

[Brock Landers]

Less than 5% Most people watch sports because they enjoy them, not strictly to gamble on. If people couldn't gamble on them, I would say at least 95% still tune in anyway

no fukking way

[cleaveland]

This should only include people over 18 because I don't think people under 18 can usually gamble. Look at the scoreboards at espn.com, they have accuscore picks ATS, ML, and totals for every MLB, NFL, and NBA game. They do that because that's what people are really interested in obviously.

[rm18]

:00 PM


WNBA
Seattle Storm (7-6) --
Preview
62.3%

@ Chicago Sky (7-8) -- 37.7%

Discuss (

look 62% on a 4 point dog most do not gamble

[ignacio444]

No way half of all fans -- in any sports -- have any clue about gambling on the games. I would estimate around 10%.

[iceminers26]

Less than 5% Most people watch sports because they enjoy them, not strictly to gamble on. If people couldn't gamble on them, I would say at least 95% still tune in anyway

I would say less than 10% but agree with your thinking, there is a greater world out there than just a betting forum filled with degens. I actually wish I was part of this group and could just enjoy a game like I did as a kid but those days are long past. I am somewhat getting that spirit back with the Buccos this season but I would be lying to you if I told you I didn't have money on them.

[cleaveland]

:00 PM


WNBA
Seattle Storm (7-6) --
Preview
62.3%

@ Chicago Sky (7-8) -- 37.7%

Discuss (

look 62% on a 4 point dog most do not gamble

I posted a thread a while back asking how something like that was possible and the best reply I got was that streak for the cash represents a small sample size compared to the overall market, that makes sense.

Also, we have no way of knowing if those numbers are correct or if the books are getting even action on that game. Maybe that large of a percentage are taking Seattle moneyline, who knows? And I know the line movement is going the other way but there is reverse line movement you know.

[cleaveland]

No way half of all fans -- in any sports -- have any clue about gambling on the games. I would estimate around 10%.

Almost everybody at most Super Bowl parties does some type of betting on it. And NCAA tournament contests were a buy-in is involved aren't betting?

[Draftstreet.com]

I would say it depends on the appeal to the average fan. Meaningless midseason WCC basketball game at midnight on ESPN2? 85% gamblers. Monday Night Football between the Jets and Pats? 5% gamblers.

Whatever the percentage, at least gambling and fantasy sports make a lot of awful games watchable. Case in point for fantasy/gambling versus "pure fanhood" (and also for the NFL becoming America's pastime): last year's Titans/Jaguars MNF tilt between losing teams, in a 30-3 rout, outdrew the Rangers/Yankees in the ALCS...

[Waterstpub87]

This should only include people over 18 because I don't think people under 18 can usually gamble. Look at the scoreboards at espn.com, they have accuscore picks ATS, ML, and totals for every MLB, NFL, and NBA game. They do that because that's what people are really interested in obviously.

I was playing internet poker when I was 16. If you can read the numbers off a CC you can gamble.

[The Bet Master]

easily over 50%

How stupid are you?

[falconticket]

I'd say well over 50%. I get calls all the time from people wanting to use my guy thru me on games.

[UntilTheNDofTimE]

less than 10%.

[gman2114]

Less than 5%

Most people watch sports because they enjoy them, not strictly to gamble on. If people couldn't gamble on them, I would say at least 95% still tune in anyway

This is precisely right.

[senseionline]

i said about 25% i came from another country and dont watch any american football until i start betting them

[NSN21]

I think it depends heavily on the sport. If you are talking NFL, I think it is a very low percentage, unless you add in fantasy sports, which would bump it up a little bit.

If you're talking WNBA, then I would imagine a pretty good percentage.

Overall, for most PRO sports, I would estimate a low number, probably under 10%.

[mtneer1212]

25% at best, maybe 40% for football

[bureK]

It's hard for me to watch a NFL game if I don't bet at it...

[borednaz]

I think the number is very high, you guys are missing a big demographic.

Before I even watched sports or knew about off shore money, I was betting my homer friends 20 or so bucks there team would lose just because I was tired about hearing them talk about their team..

Nothing sweeter than watching a friends face as he loses the game & his cash. Lots of people gamble on games at home.

[Vegas_bond]

I would say 25%-50% depending on the league.

And what % is a mix of gambling and love for the sport?

[BookiesBernanke]

Late Hawaii games - 100%

[lakerboy]

no fukking way

not everyone is as fukked up as you

[Thunder Gulch]

Tricky wording of the question. "Strictky" gambling is probably less than 10%. Howerver, a far greater number actually place wagers, and on feature games, ie MNF, interest from strictly gambling related viewers is higher.