The world of sports betting has experienced rapid growth in recent years, both in physical establishments and through online platforms. The number of sportsbooks in operation depends heavily on the jurisdiction, the type of betting allowed, and the legal framework that governs the industry. Understanding this landscape requires looking at both global and regional perspectives.
GLOBAL OVERVIEW
Worldwide, there are thousands of sportsbooks operating across various markets. These range from well-established international brands with licenses in multiple countries to smaller, locally focused bookmakers. Major players such as Bet365, William Hill, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Betway operate in numerous regions, often holding multiple licenses.
In addition to online operators, many countries maintain a robust network of retail sportsbooks, particularly in regions with a strong sports betting culture such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and certain parts of the United States.
SPORTSBOOKS IN THE UNITED STATES
Since the 2018 repeal of PASPA (the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act), sports betting in the U.S. has been legalized state by state. As of now, more than 30 states and Washington, D.C. offer legal sports betting in some form.
- Some states allow only retail sportsbooks (physical locations),
- Others have embraced online and mobile betting platforms,
- Several states offer both options, which significantly increases the total count of sportsbooks.
In larger markets like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, dozens of licensed online operators are active alongside casino-based retail sportsbooks.
EUROPEAN SPORTSBOOK MARKET
Europe has a long history of regulated sports betting. Countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Sweden operate under well-defined licensing regimes.
- The UK alone has hundreds of betting shops operated by brands such as Ladbrokes, Coral, Paddy Power, and William Hill, in addition to online sportsbooks.
- In regulated European countries, most licensed operators also hold multiple brand names under a single company, making the market both diverse and competitive.
ASIA, AUSTRALIA, AND OTHER REGIONS
In Asia, sports betting legality varies widely, with certain areas operating under strict regulation and others offering betting primarily through offshore operators. Macau, the Philippines, and Singapore have notable legal markets.
Australia, on the other hand, has a mature and highly regulated sports betting industry, with brands like Sportsbet, TAB, and Ladbrokes active both online and offline.
CHALLENGES IN COUNTING SPORTSBOOKS
The exact global number is difficult to pinpoint because:
- Licensing Overlap – One operator may hold licenses in multiple jurisdictions, counted differently in various reports.
- Offshore and Unregulated Markets – Many sportsbooks operate outside official legal frameworks, particularly online.
- Rapid Market Changes – New licenses are issued, and operators merge or exit markets regularly.
CONCLUSION
While it is impossible to give an exact global total due to differing laws, rapid market changes, and the presence of offshore operators, it is safe to say there are several thousand sportsbooks worldwide, with hundreds of legal operators in major regulated markets such as the U.S., UK, and Australia. As legalization continues to expand, especially in the U.S. and parts of Asia, the number of sportsbooks is expected to grow further, increasing competition and diversity in the global betting industry.
