Female Bettors on the Rise as Spain Beats England in the Women’s World Cup

Posted on: August 21, 2023, 03:23h. 

Last updated on: August 21, 2023, 04:40h.

Erik Gibbs Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Gaming Business, Global Gaming.

Global gaming operator Entain reported a surge in betting activity worldwide for the 2023 Women’s World Cup that just wrapped up in Australia and New Zealand. As England and Spain prepared for the final battle, there was a substantial rise in the number of bets placed by women and in the overall competition.

Spain's Women's World Cup team celebrates beating England in the final
Spain’s Women’s World Cup team celebrates beating England for the championship. The competition has led to an overall increase in sports betting and greater female participation in wagering. (Image: Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)

The company behind Ladbrokes, Coral, and other betting brands reported that during England’s initial three matches, bets by women garnered an impressive 21% of the total. In contrast, the 2022 Women’s European Championship received a slightly lower percentage, at 17%, while the final World Cup in 2019 lagged further behind, with only 13% of bets being placed by women.

Entain’s latest conquest, New Zealand’s Tab NZ betting operator, had its sponsorship of the competition rewarded, as well. Female bettors accounted for 15% of all wagers made through the operator, compared to a meager 9% recorded back in 2019.

Soccer Betting Gains Steam

TAB NZ experienced a massive surge of 365% in the number of wagers placed on this year’s Women’s World Cup soccer tournament. Meanwhile, Australia witnessed a rise of almost 200% in betting, which can be attributed to its commendable journey to the round of 16.

In the U.S., an upsurge has also been witnessed, with the U.S. Women’s National Team spearheading a fresh surge in soccer gambling. Interestingly, during the U.S. Women’s match versus Vietnam, BetMGM, the betting platform Entain operates with MGM Resorts International, recorded a staggering threefold increase in bets compared to Lionel Messi’s debut with Inter Miami CF.

In July, the German Sports University Cologne published a study revealing an expansion in the scope of the sports betting market. Since 2020, soccer has been experiencing a staggering surge in popularity among bettors, with an annual growth rate of about 20%.

The study also noted an increase in women’s sports bettors in recent years.

Spain Makes History

Spain hoisted the trophy on Sunday after winning the first Women’s World Cup in its history by beating England 1-0 in a thrilling final before 80K spectators. Left-back Olga Carmona scored for Spain in the 29th minute, thanks to a pass from Mariona Caldentey, and England would never recover.

“La Roja” achieved a monumental feat by emerging as the fifth winning country in Women’s World Cup history. Spain joins Germany as the only duo to claim victory in both the men’s and women’s tournaments, with both of those teams winning in their debut at the final.

Spain clinched its maiden World Cup crown by avenging their quarter-final loss to England in last year’s European Championship. It was a loss they never forgot.

From the start of the game, Sweden showed superiority in controlling the ball, which allowed them to take the lead in the first 30 minutes. Australia tried to fight back, but Sweden’s defensive prowess proved to be too much, leading to Sweden winning the bronze medal for the fourth time in a Women’s World Cup.