Sports betting is getting bigger and bigger in the US, especially as more states are starting to legalise it. Although most US bettors tend to focus on Football and Basketball, we’re also starting to see a rise in the popularity of soccer betting. Here, we’re talking to Jamie Rosen, the CEO and Co-Founder of Fruity Slots to see whether he thinks soccer betting in the US will ever reach the same heights that it has in the UK.
Interviewer: Soccer betting is huge in the UK, but in the US, it’s very much still a growing market. Do you think soccer betting will ever be as popular in the US as it is in the UK?
JR: This is something that has always interested me. I’m a huge sports fan – and follow both UK and US sports… and although we mainly focus on casinos, Fruity Slots also advertise UK betting sites, so we’re always keeping an eye on what’s happening in the sports betting world and that includes across the pond.
I’ve been watching the rise of soccer in the past years in the US – and its growth has definitely been impressive, so it’s certainly possible. However, I do think that there are some pretty big cultural and structural differences between the two countries that we have to consider. In the UK, soccer—or football, as we call it there, is the ultimate sport. It’s essentially become a part of everyday life, and betting on matches has been a big part of that for decades. Meanwhile, in the US, soccer is certainly growing, but it’s still not as mainstream as football, basketball, or baseball – and there’s still a way to go.
Interviewer: What factors do you think contribute to the UK’s massive soccer betting market?
JR: There are a couple of key factors. First, the Premier League is one of the most-watched soccer leagues in the world – and it’s based in the UK. That means that fans are constantly exposed to the highest-quality soccer. Second, betting companies in the UK know how to advertise. They sponsor teams – and their names are plastered on team jerseys and in the stadiums. Thirdly, the UK has a solid and well-regulated betting industry, so it’s really easy for fans to place bets – online, in betting shops, or even on mobile.
Interviewer: What about in the US? Are there still challenges to be faced?
JR: Definitely. However, the biggest challenge is the competition from other sports. American football, basketball, baseball, and hockey are the dominant forces in the US and have always been. Soccer is definitely growing in popularity, especially with the younger generations, but it’s still not the top sport for most Americans. Another challenge is the fact that legal sports betting is still relatively new in the US… and it’s still in the early stages compared to the UK.
Interviewer: Has the rise of Major League Soccer (MLS) and international tournaments like the World Cup helped soccer betting in the US?
JR: Absolutely. The MLS has been great for soccer in the US. Teams like LAFC, Inter Miami, and Atlanta United have built up really passionate fan bases. And when big events like the World Cup happen, there’s definitely an increase in soccer betting activity – but there needs to be a more, sustained interest to build a market comparable to the UK.
Interviewer: Do you think the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in North America, could be a turning point?
JR: Yes! The 2026 World Cup is a massive opportunity for soccer betting in the US. It could inspire a new generation of fans and if it’s capitalized on effectively, it really could be a catalyst for growth.
Interviewer: What lessons could the US learn from the UK when it comes to soccer betting?
JR: I think the biggest lesson is the effective integration of sports and betting. In the UK, betting companies sponsor teams and even have partnerships with leagues. Ultimately, the UK has years of experience in this area, and the US could see exactly how it can work to its best effect.
Interviewer: So, what’s your prediction? Will soccer betting in the US ever rival the UK?
JR: Realistically, I don’t think it will rival the UK in the near future because there are too many cultural differences and other sports are still too dominant. However, soccer betting in the US does have massive potential for growth and with just the right mix of events, marketing, and technology, it could be huge!