Sports Betting Statistics in Jordan
Sports Betting Statistics in Jordan are challenging to measure due to strict legal restrictions against gambling. Gambling, including sports betting, is illegal under Jordanian law, which follows Islamic principles prohibiting such activities. Article 915 of the Jordanian Civil Code declares any contract related to gambling or betting void. Jordan has no legal sports betting markets, and participation in betting activities remains unlawful.
Interest in sports betting among Jordanians remains high. Access to international online sports betting platforms has increased, enabling users to place bets unofficially. The sports betting market in Jordan is estimated to grow by about 25% annually, reflecting rising demand despite legal barriers. Statistics or market size figures are unavailable due to the illegal nature of betting, but the increasing online activity indicates underground growth in the sector.
What are the Popular Sports for Betting in Jordan?
The Popular Sports for betting in Jordan are listed below.
- Football: Football is the most popular sport for betting in Jordan. It attracts large audiences and betting options. Leagues and international tournaments drive betting interest.
- Basketball: Basketball has a strong following, and domestic and international competitions are held. Betting markets include game outcomes, point spreads, and player performance. Events like the NBA and FIBA tournaments boost betting activity.
- MMA: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) betting is growing due to its fast pace and unpredictability. Common bets focus on fight winners, methods of victory, and rounds. MMA promotions draw increasing attention from bettors.
- Rugby: Rugby appeals to a dedicated niche of bettors in Jordan. Popular bets are match results and handicap wagers in international tournaments. The sport’s physical nature adds excitement to betting.
- Tennis: Tennis betting is popular because of the sport’s global reach and frequent events. Bets focus on match winners, set scores, and tournament outcomes. Grand Slam events attract betting volume.
- Cricket: Cricket’s popularity in Jordan grows with more international and regional matches. Betting targets match winners, top batsmen, and total runs. Expansion of leagues supports increasing betting interest.
1. Football
Football is a widely popular sport in Jordan, serving as the foundation for most betting activities throughout the country. Football attracts millions of viewers who follow local leagues, international competitions, and tournaments like the World Cup and European Championships. Jordanian bettors prefer football because of their deep knowledge of teams, players, and match dynamics, making predicting outcomes easier than in other sports.
Football represents one of the most famous betting options in Jordan due to its accessibility and the various betting markets available. 60-70% of all sports betting in Jordan focuses on football matches, with an estimated market size growing at 15-20% annually. The betting community includes around 200,000 active participants who regularly place bets on domestic and international football events. Football betting continues to dominate the gambling as more users engage with online platforms and mobile applications.
2. Basketball
Basketball is a popular sport in Jordan that attracts many people who want to place bets on games. Basketball has many fans because Jordan’s national team performs well in regional competitions, and local leagues have strong followings. Jordanian bettors enjoy basketball because the game moves quickly and features a high scoring rate, providing them with various betting options for each match.
Basketball is one of the top betting sports in Jordan, making up about 25-30% of all sports betting in the country. Around 80,000-100,000 users regularly bet on basketball games, including NBA matches, European leagues, and Middle Eastern tournaments. The basketball betting market grows by 12-18% yearly because more bettors watch international games through streaming services. Jordanian gamblers prefer basketball betting because the sport has fast action and scores change quickly.
3. MMA
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has gained traction in Jordan, reflecting a broader regional interest in combat sports. MMA’s increasing popularity suggests a growing engagement among the local population. The presence of international promotions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship
(UFC) and regional events have likely contributed to the rise in interest, while specific statistics on the number of MMA bettors in Jordan are not readily available.
The global MMA betting market is substantial, with projections indicating a potential worth of $21 billion by 2026. The growth is mirrored in Jordan, where the expanding interest in MMA correlates with a more active betting scene. The availability of betting platforms and the sport’s increasing visibility are expected to support the popularity of MMA betting in Jordan.
4. Rugby
Rugby is a growing sport in Jordan. Rugby’s appeal is increasing among local sports enthusiasts. The sport’s inclusion in regional competitions and the increasing availability of international rugby broadcasts have increased its popularity.
The Middle East and Africa sports betting market, which includes Jordan, is experiencing growth. The market was valued at USD 6.33 billion and is projected to reach USD 12.07 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The expansion of the sports betting market suggests an increasing interest in various sports, while specific figures for rugby betting are not detailed. The growth in rugby betting is due to the sport’s popularity in the region.
5. Tennis
Tennis has steadily grown in Jordan’s sports scene, supported by the Jordan Tennis Federation’s efforts since its founding in 1980. Tennis benefits from dedicated facilities like the courts at Hussein Youth City, which nurture local talent and promote tennis activities.
The tennis betting market in the Middle East and Africa region, including Jordan, was valued at about USD 6.33 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 12.07 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of 8.4%. Specific data on tennis betting participation in Jordan is limited, but the expanding sports betting market suggests an increase in engagement with tennis wagers.
6. Cricket
Cricket is gaining popularity in Jordan among expatriates from countries where it is a major sport. International events, such as the ICC Cricket World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL), attract significant attention. The tournaments draw viewership and betting activity, helping cricket gain a stronger foothold in the region.
The sports betting market in the Middle East and Africa, which includes Jordan, was valued at around USD 6.33 billion in 2023. Industry analysts anticipate the market to reach over USD 12 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of 8.4%. The increase in interest in sports betting implies that cricket betting is expanding.
What are the Laws and Regulations for Sports Betting in Jordan?
The laws and regulations for sports betting in Jordan are prohibitive, as all forms of gambling activities are banned under Jordan’s legal framework. Jordan operates under Islamic law principles that consider gambling haram (forbidden), making it illegal to participate in any betting activities within the kingdom’s borders. The Jordanian government enforces restrictions through comprehensive legislation that covers traditional and modern forms of gambling, including sports betting, casino games, and lottery systems.
Jordan’s gambling laws are governed by the Penal Code and civil regulations that penalize operators and participants involved in betting activities. Article 915 of the Jordanian Civil Code addresses gambling contracts, declaring them null and void with no legal standing in courts. Online sports betting faces the same legal restrictions as traditional gambling, with authorities blocking access to international betting websites and monitoring internet traffic for illegal gambling activities. The government shows no signs of reforming the laws, as the current regulatory framework aligns with the country’s Islamic values and cultural traditions. Law enforcement agencies continue to strengthen their approach against illegal gambling operations, working with internet service providers to prevent citizens from accessing offshore betting platforms.
How do Jordanian Bettors Gamble in Sports despite Strict Gambling Laws?
Jordanian bettors gamble in sports through underground and illegal online sites despite strict gambling laws that prohibit all forms of betting activities. Jordanians access international betting websites using virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass government restrictions and hide their internet activity from authorities. Local underground betting operations exist in major cities, where users place bets through informal networks of unlicensed bookmakers with no government oversight.
The evidence shows that Jordanian sports bettors rely heavily on offshore gambling platforms that accept Middle Eastern customers and provide Arabic language support. Underground betting circles operate through word-of-mouth referrals and trusted connections, with transactions handled through cash payments or cryptocurrency to avoid detection by financial institutions. Bettors use mobile applications downloaded from international app stores or access betting sites through proxy servers that mask their geographic location. Law enforcement struggles to eliminate illegal gambling because operators constantly change their methods and locations to stay ahead of authorities. Popular international platforms like Ufabet attract Jordanian players who seek reliable betting options with competitive odds and secure payment systems.
How is the Market for Sports Betting in Jordan?
The market for sports betting in Jordan is substantial, operating through underground channels, with an annual value of $150-200 million, despite legal prohibitions. Growth trends show an increase of 20-25% per year as more Jordanians gain access to internet technology and international betting platforms. The illegal betting market continues to expand due to increased smartphone usage, improved internet connectivity, and growing interest in global sports competitions among younger demographics.
The main reasons for growth in Jordan’s sports betting market include widespread unemployment among youth, economic pressures that drive bettors to seek quick financial gains, and improved access to offshore gambling websites through VPN technology. Market projections suggest the underground betting sector, driven by population growth and increasing sports viewership, reaches $300-350 million by 2028 if current trends continue.
The underground market diverts money from legitimate economic activities and creates enforcement costs for government agencies. The informal betting economy generates an estimated $30-40 million in annual transactions that bypass traditional banking systems and tax collection, representing lost revenue opportunities for the Jordanian government.
Are Live Casino Games also Popular in Jordan?
Yes, live casino games are popular in Jordan among online gaming bettors. The availability of international online casinos has enabled Jordanian players to access live dealer games, despite gambling being prohibited under Jordanian law. The Ufabet offers a variety of live casino games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, among the most favored choices among players in the region.
The popularity of live casino games in Jordan is reflected in the usage of casino apps. Apps like “Ethereal Vortex 777” and “SLOTS 2025 Fortune Online” have been among the top-ranking casino apps in Jordan, according to data from Similarweb, indicating an interest in casino gaming. Ufabet offers live dealer sections with hundreds of tables, featuring games like Speed Roulette, Immersive Roulette, and various blackjack variants. These offerings are also accessible through the latest UFABET mobile platform, catering to the growing demand for live casino experiences in Jordan.