Despite being often seen as a male-dominated activity, sports betting is becoming increasingly popular among women. According to Global Wireless Solutions, new data from 2021 shows that women are increasingly getting involved in gambling on sports. In fact, more than 4.6 million women in the US have joined sportsbook betting apps this year, with female user rates growing 115% compared to 2020. The biggest apps in the US sportsbook market have seen up to 1 million new female users sign up, with some now claiming more female users than male. This trend is being driven by the increasing number of women who are interested in sports, as well as the availability of more user-friendly betting apps.
FanDuel is one of the most popular sports betting apps among women, with an estimated 1.7 million female customers last year. DraftKings is another popular option, with an estimated 900,000 women using the platform. Women are also increasingly using apps like PointsBet, which offers a more personalized betting experience.
Several Factors Drive Women to Online Betting Apps
A number of factors are contributing to the popularity of sports betting among women. First, the number of women who are interested in sports is on the rise. According to a report by the Women’s Sports Foundation, the percentage of women who consider themselves “very interested” in sports increased from 30% in 2010 to 38% in 2016. This trend is being driven by the increasing number of women who are playing sports at all levels, as well as the growing visibility of women’s sports.
Second, betting apps are becoming more user-friendly. In the past, sports betting was often seen as a complicated and intimidating activity. However, the rise of mobile betting apps has made it easier than ever for anyone to place a bet. These apps are designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, which is appealing to both casual and experienced bettors.
Finally, women are also being drawn to sports betting by the potential to make money. While there is always a risk involved in any bet, the potential rewards can be significant. For many women, sports betting is seen as a fun and exciting way to potentially earn some extra money.
Opportunity to Capitalize on Female Interest
Despite making up a significant portion of sports fans, women have long been considered an untapped market in the world of sports gambling. This is beginning to change, however, as companies are starting to realize the potential revenue that could be generated by appealing to female sports fans. A 2019 study by the American Gaming Association revealed that 31% of dedicated sports betting customers are women, and another study found that women comprise 47% of all sports fans. This suggests that there is a large group of women who are interested in betting on sports but may not feel welcome in the current climate.
Despite the notable increase in female users, GWS also found that women tend to use mobile betting apps less consistently throughout the year. The study also found that while both men and women are interested in in-play betting, women are more likely to place bets on events taking place outside of traditional sports seasons. This suggests that sportsbooks need to do a better job of marketing their offerings to women and making it easy for them to place bets on their favorite teams and players. With the right strategy in place, there’s no reason why women couldn’t become just as active as men when it comes to mobile betting.
Sportsbooks are Beginning to Adapt
As the popularity of sports betting among women continues to grow, it is important for app developers to create products that are appealing to this demographic. FanDuel CEO Amy Howe has said that they see a “huge opportunity” in appealing to female customers, and DraftKings has also expressed interest in this demographic. This includes features such as flexible betting amounts and beginner-friendly tutorials. By understanding the reasons why women are interested in sports betting, app developers can create products that are more likely to attract and retain female users.
