Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — March Madness is here! The month where college basketball takes the center stage for all the world to see and last year’s NCAA tournament is no different. In fact, last year’s women’s NCAA title game had more viewers than the men’s, peaking at 24 million viewers. The most watched women’s college basketball game on record, as well as the most watched basketball game, men’s or women’s, since 2019, thank you Caitlin Clark! With the growth of women in sports. Is it worth betting on her?
With millions of dollars up for grabs, the attention of women’s college basketball means sports bet markets are getting bigger!
The amount wagered on last year’s women’s national championship game was up 155 percent compared to 2023’s game. There was also a 29 percent increase in women betting on the NCAA women’s tournament year over year.
“You’re starting to see a lot more of these like noticeable face, notable faces,” said Joseph Djaja, Sports bettor.
But are women worth betting on? A recent survey shows 90 percent of sports bettors plan to watch women’s sports this year.
“Whatever they’re excited about, and especially when they know the names to the players that they’re watching. especially those who have already started betting,” said Djaja.
Caitlin Clark was the most bet on player in the WNBA.
She was making up five of the top 10 prop markets. While stats play a role in the decision to bet, remember the matchups that go with it.
“Always look at the trends and the stats and how often have they beaten this person? what’s their performance like when this person’s guarding them?” explained Djaja.
But remember, play it safe. Only bet what you can afford to lose, but if women’s college basketball continues to score with fans, it may be worth betting on her.
“I think for the next few years we’re going to see the WNBA rise and really be one of the top three, top four betting sports,” said Djaja.
According to the American Gaming Association, last year, US bettors were expected to wager more than 2.72 billion dollars on men’s and women’s national tournaments using legalized sportsbooks.
Contributors to this news report include: Cliff Tumetel, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/march-madness-ncaa-tournament-2024-bet-money-online-sports-gambling/
