5 Largest Sports Bets Made in 2024: A Year in Review

Sports betting in 2024 was nothing short of monumental. High-stakes wagers made headlines, the industry continued to expand, and new trends emerged that captivated everyone from casual bettors to seasoned pros. While every year has its fair share of big bets, the largest sports bets made in 2024 were record-setting and showed just how massive the industry has become.

If you’re here to learn about jaw-dropping wagers and what drives people to risk millions, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the five largest bets of the year, the staggering $35 billion wagered on the NFL, and how savvy bettors are making the most of casino bonuses for licensed online casinos.

super bowl 2022 52917651db0341c896493dd82977c288

1. $1.1 Million Bet on Super Bowl LVI

Let’s start with one of the most talked-about bets of the year: a $1.1 million wager placed at Circa Sportsbook during Super Bowl LVI. This wasn’t just a casual bet—this was a calculated risk by someone with the bankroll to back it up. And it paid off, netting a $1 million return.

Super Bowl bets like this have become as much a part of the event as the commercials and halftime show. But what’s fascinating about this one is how it reflects the confidence some bettors have in their teams—or perhaps their spreadsheets. It’s not just about fandom here; it’s about leveraging all the data and trends leading up to the big game.

Why It’s Significant:
This bet showcases the ever-growing scale of sports betting on marquee events. A million-dollar wager isn’t just a gamble; it’s a statement.

AST02522

2. £100,000 Bet on Auguste Rodin at Royal Ascot

The pageantry of Royal Ascot isn’t just for the royals and their fancy hats—it’s a magnet for high-stakes bettors as well. This year, a bold punter put £100,000 on Auguste Rodin in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. The horse didn’t disappoint, earning a £162,500 profit.

Horse racing and betting have always gone hand in hand, but this wager shows how events like Royal Ascot continue to draw some of the biggest bets globally. These races combine tradition, strategy, and risk in a way that few other sports do.

Why It’s Significant:
Big horse racing bets aren’t just about luck. They’re a blend of deep knowledge about the sport, the horse, and the competition. This bet reflects the dedication and precision of the racing world’s biggest gamblers.

Christian McCaffrey Touchdown Browns GETTY

3. $100,000 Bet on Christian McCaffrey to Score a Touchdown

Now let’s talk about prop bets—the ones that go beyond picking a winner. A bettor at BetMGM placed $100,000 on Christian McCaffrey scoring a touchdown in Super Bowl LVI at -235 odds. Given McCaffrey’s performance throughout the season, it wasn’t exactly a shocking bet, but the confidence to put six figures on a single player’s actions? That’s bold.

McCaffrey delivered, and the bettor cashed out. Prop bets like these are growing in popularity because they make the games even more personal. Betting on a player you admire adds a layer of excitement—although let’s be honest, not everyone’s putting down $100K on it.

Why It’s Significant:
This bet underscores how player-centric wagering is becoming a major trend. Fans are shifting focus from teams to individual performances, and sportsbooks are cashing in on that.

USATSI 23319771

4. $2 Million NBA Christmas Day Promotion by DraftKings

While not technically a single bet, the $2 million bonus bet promotion DraftKings offered for the NBA Christmas Day games turned heads. This promotion highlighted the lengths sportsbooks are going to attract and retain bettors. The NBA is already a huge draw during the holidays, and this promotion gave fans even more reason to tune in.

DraftKings has been at the forefront of using creative promotions to dominate the sports betting market. They understand that loyalty is everything, and bonuses like these are a surefire way to build it.

Why It’s Significant:
It’s not just about the games anymore; it’s about creating an ecosystem where betting becomes as integral to the fan experience as the action on the court.

5. $35 Billion in NFL Bets: A Record-Breaking Season

If there’s one number that defines 2024 in sports betting, it’s this: $35 billion. That’s how much was wagered legally on NFL games throughout the season, a staggering 30% increase from 2023.

This isn’t just a stat; it’s a reflection of how much the sports betting landscape has changed. More states have legalized betting, mobile platforms have made it easier than ever, and partnerships between sportsbooks and NFL teams have brought betting into the mainstream.

The NFL is, without question, the king of sports betting. From weekly matchups to futures bets, the league drives more action than any other sport in the United States. And with figures like these, it’s clear that the appetite for betting isn’t slowing down.

wtpoc525bnsub9ovjdav 1

How Casino Bonuses Fuel High-Stakes Betting

High-stakes bets might seem out of reach for the average person, but here’s the thing: casino bonuses for licensed online casinos can help bridge that gap.

Platforms offer bonuses that give you extra betting power, whether it’s a deposit match, free spins, or bonus bets. For someone placing a $100 wager, these bonuses might mean doubling their bankroll. And for the high rollers? They can turn a big bet into a massive win.

Why It Matters:
Bonuses are more than just marketing gimmicks—they’re tools that give bettors of all levels a chance to maximize their potential. Whether you’re backing a favorite or taking a risk on a long shot, having that extra boost can make all the difference.

Top Sports Betting News of 2024

The year 2024 wasn’t just about the largest sports bets made in 2024, wagers and record-breaking figures; it was a landmark year for sports betting as a whole. From the expansion of legalized gambling to partnerships between sportsbooks and major leagues, here’s a roundup of the most notable sports betting stories that defined the year.

GettyImages 2178450189.72d40b5f

1. More States Legalize Sports Betting

Sports betting continued to expand across the United States in 2024, with several new states passing legislation to legalize online and retail sportsbooks. States like Texas and California made significant progress in implementing regulatory frameworks, with major sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings eager to enter these untapped markets.

Why It’s Big News:
With these new markets coming online, sports betting in the U.S. is projected to grow by an additional $10 billion annually, cementing its place as one of the fastest-growing industries in the country.

2. Rise of Micro-Betting

Micro-betting—a form of wagering that focuses on specific in-game events like the next play or the result of a free throw—took off in 2024. Fueled by real-time data and faster mobile apps, sportsbooks reported that micro-betting accounted for 25% of all in-game wagers by the end of the year.

Example: Fans could bet on whether the next NFL play would result in a pass or a run, or if a basketball player would hit or miss their next free throw. These quick, high-frequency bets added a new layer of excitement for fans watching live games.

Why It’s Big News:
Micro-betting is reshaping how fans engage with sports, turning every moment into an opportunity to wager. It’s especially popular with younger audiences who crave instant gratification and interactive experiences.

USATSI 23248234

3. Major League Partnerships

Professional sports leagues continued to embrace sports betting in 2024, signing lucrative partnerships with sportsbooks. Notable deals included:

  • The NFL’s expanded partnership with Caesars Sportsbook, which now includes in-stadium betting kiosks in select venues.
  • The NBA’s integration with FanDuel, offering real-time betting odds displayed during game broadcasts.

These collaborations helped normalize sports betting and brought it directly into the fan experience.

Why It’s Big News:
Leagues that once distanced themselves from gambling are now actively integrating it into their operations, reflecting a massive cultural and financial shift.

DAA 5823 scaled 1

4. The Push for Responsible Gambling

With the explosive growth of sports betting, concerns about problem gambling also took center stage in 2024. Major sportsbooks launched enhanced responsible gambling campaigns, including tools for self-exclusion, deposit limits, and educational resources for bettors.

One standout initiative was FanDuel’s “Play Smart” campaign, which partnered with mental health organizations to provide free resources for bettors struggling to manage their habits.

Why It’s Big News:
As sports betting becomes more accessible, balancing growth with responsibility is critical for sustaining the industry’s credibility and long-term success.

5. International Sports Betting Growth

The global sports betting market experienced significant growth, particularly in Europe and Asia. Key developments included:

  • The rise of Premier League betting, with record wagers placed during the 2024-2025 season.
  • Increased interest in cricket betting, particularly during the ICC Cricket World Cup, where platforms like Bet365 reported record-breaking activity.
  • Expansion of esports betting, with games like Valorant and League of Legends becoming a major draw for younger gamblers.

Why It’s Big News:
The international market is proving to be just as lucrative as the U.S., with billions of dollars being wagered on sports events across the globe.

arsenals bukayo saka confident in premier league title pursuit against manchester city header image scaled 1

6. Biggest Payouts and Wildest Wins

2024 saw several headline-grabbing payouts and improbable wins. One of the most memorable stories involved a bettor who turned a $10,000 parlay into $1.5 million by correctly predicting the outcomes of 10 NFL games in a single weekend.

Another viral story involved a bettor cashing out early on a $500,000 potential win after eight correct picks, only to see their ninth selection lose, validating their cautious decision.

Why It’s Big News:
These stories not only highlight the excitement of sports betting but also the calculated risks that bettors take when chasing big wins.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The trends and developments in 2024 set the stage for even more growth in the sports betting industry. With technology advancing, new states legalizing betting, and global interest increasing, 2025 promises to be another blockbuster year for sports wagering.

Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just getting started, the landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying informed is key to making the most of every opportunity. From the largest sports bets made in 2024 to emerging trends, there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the action.

Photo of author

Author: Adam Batansky

Published on:

Published in:

Sports Betting