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Sports betting is not just a way to test your luck and earn money — in some countries, it has become part of the cultural code. There, it’s more than just entertainment; it’s a true tradition passed down from generation to generation. Let’s take a look at where betting has long been something greater than just a hobby.
United Kingdom — the birthplace of bookmakers
If we talk about countries where sports betting is almost a national treasure, the United Kingdom comes first. Bookmakers appeared here back in the 19th century, and the love for horse racing, football, and cricket runs so deep that many families go to racecourses or place bets on football matches together. It’s in the blood of the British: a grandfather can teach his grandson how to “bet smart” on a favorite team, and family dinner conversations sometimes revolve around predictions for upcoming Premier League matches.
Ireland — betting and horse racing as a celebration
In Ireland, horses are a source of national pride. Horse racing here is not just a sport but a cultural event. Betting on it is part of the tradition. At major tournaments, you can see families where both grandmothers and teenagers are enthusiastically discussing which stallion to back. For the Irish, it’s less about gambling and more about feeling part of a big event where sport, emotions, and history intertwine.
Italy — passion for football and the “totocalcio”
In Italy, sports betting is closely tied to a love for football. There’s a state lottery called Totocalcio, where fans have been predicting match outcomes for decades. Back in the mid-20th century, Italians would gather in bars, discuss team chances, and fill out betting slips. For many families, it was a Saturday tradition later inherited by children and grandchildren.
Australia — a culture of betting on horse racing and sports
Australians also love sport and the thrill of betting. Here, there’s the famous Melbourne Cup — the main racing day, practically considered a national holiday. Even those who don’t usually bet will pick a horse and place a symbolic wager on this day. In some families, it’s like a little ritual: first, they discuss the favorites, and then they watch the race together.
USA — baseball, American football, and fantasy leagues
In the USA, traditional sports betting was restricted by law for a long time, but traditions still developed — especially in Las Vegas. Betting on American football, baseball, or basketball became part of family memories from trips to Nevada. On top of that, fantasy leagues appeared, where the winner is determined not by luck but by statistical knowledge — and this, too, became its own tradition.
Why it becomes culture
The common thread in all these countries is that betting is seen not just as gambling, but as a way to be part of a community. It brings together families, friends, and even whole towns. People share their experience, pass on their methods and superstitions, and children absorb the atmosphere from an early age.
In the end, betting isn’t just about money. In some countries, it has become part of cultural heritage — like a grandmother’s pie recipe or a family photograph on the wall. It’s a tradition where sport, emotion, history, and a sense of belonging to one’s country all come together.