Gambling and Sports Betting in Saudi Arabia

Online Card Games Shape Saudi Gambling Trends

In Saudi Arabia, sports betting and gambling behaviors reveal a diverse landscape, shaped by the various activities people are engaging in, both online and in person. It’s clear that while many people in the country place bets, they don’t all do so in the same way or for the same reasons. Interestingly, almost 30% of respondents in the past year reported that they didn’t engage in any type of betting at all. For those who did, online card games such as poker and blackjack stood out as the most popular form of gambling, with around 25% of people participating in these virtual games. Online slots and casual bets on sporting events also had significant followings, showing that when it comes to betting, people are looking for accessibility and variety.

Varied Betting Frequency and the Domination of Digital Betting

It’s not just the type of betting that varies, but also the frequency. About 18% of respondents wagered on sports daily, while another 12% placed bets a few times a week. For others, betting is a monthly or occasional activity. This speaks to a more casual, yet committed, approach to the activity, where the excitement of betting on a game is balanced with the realities of everyday life. As for how people prefer to place their bets, there's a clear shift toward digital platforms. The vast majority—about 73%—bet primarily through online channels, whether via mobile apps or websites. Given the country’s tech-savvy population and growing internet penetration, the shift to mobile betting platforms is expected to continue.

Money Drives Betting and Real-Time Betting Interest Rises Among Saudi Bettors

When asked why they bet on sports, the motivations are telling. Nearly half say they bet to win money, while 36% bet for excitement or experience. A similar percentage say it makes watching or following a game more interesting. For others, the competitive thrill is a key motivator. The increasing importance of real-time betting aligns with these motivations, with 64% of respondents expressing an interest in being able to place bets as they watch games unfold. This desire for immediacy ties into a broader cultural shift towards on-demand, interactive experiences. Real-time betting offers both the excitement of live events and the potential for immediate reward, which likely appeals to the thrill-seeking behaviors seen in sports bettors. Sports betting has evolved beyond a simple game of chance to something that enhances the overall experience of watching and enjoying sports.

Sports Betting Content Fuels Engagement Beyond Wagers

In addition to betting, many people are also engaging with sports betting content, primarily through social media and websites that discuss betting strategies and outcomes. About 70% of people show interest in this content, with a sizable portion strongly agreeing with the statement that they enjoy engaging with such content. Sports betting is becoming more than just a transactional activity—it’s turning into a broader cultural phenomenon, with individuals seeking to immerse themselves in the conversation around the games, teams, and bets they are invested in. This dynamic creates new opportunities for content creators, advertisers, and brands to reach audiences who are not only active bettors but also passionate consumers of related content.