This record-setting bet comes as women's sports reach an inflection point, with the rise of once-in-a-lifetime superstar talent like Caitlin Clark and rising ratings for women's sports franchises, reaching larger audiences and This was realized amid more interest than ever before.
ESPN says Women's Sweet 16 viewer ratings became the most-watched production on record, up 96% from last year. The record-breaking success of women's sports has also affected sportsbooks. But with only 26% of bettors being women, according to the American Gaming Association, sportsbooks see a huge opportunity.
Monday's LSU vs. Iowa game featured a heated rematch between two franchise big names in Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese and coaching legend Kim Mulkey, who has recently been grabbing headlines. Ta. All of this combined to make Monday's event the No. 1 betting event, ahead of all National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and National Hockey League games, FanDuel said. This game increased his handle by 28% compared to the 2023 Women's National Championship Game.
The ensuing matchup between the University of Connecticut and the University of Southern California was the third of the day at sportsbooks as fans watched as star player Paige Bueckers scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the university's 80-73 victory. Achieved high results.
“We are seeing an incredible increase in betting on women's sports as fans are showing unprecedented interest. We look forward to seeing how fans participate in the Final Four,” said FanDuel Sportsbook Senior Vice President and General Manager Karol Corcoran said in an email. .
DraftKings said women's basketball also dominated the sportsbook Monday night. Last night's women's basketball game was the top two event, ahead of the MLB and NBA games, a spokesperson told CNBC.
The sportsbook said that from a handle perspective, the game was on par with many NFL games from last season.
BetMGM also had a great night, saying the Iowa vs. LSU matchup was the most-watched women's basketball game ever.
“It was a special night for the game and for the sportsbook as we saw the record both pre-match and live action during the match,” said Seamus McGee, trading manager at BetMGM.
Heading into the Women's Final Four, FanDuel has Iowa State as a 2.5-point favorite against UW and South Carolina as an 11.5-point favorite against North Carolina State, with the Wolfpack looking for an upset. Stated.
