Why online gamblers are obsessed with table tennis

Table tennis has become one of the most wagered sports in some US states, even when major leagues are in season. The article argues that this reflects how online gambling is changing: betting is increasingly built around a constant supply of quick matches that can keep people wagering, rather than informed predictions about sport.

The trend began during the Covid-19 shutdowns, when obscure Eastern European table tennis matches were among the few events available to bet on. In Colorado, wagers on table tennis rose from $6.5 million in May 2020 to $33.9 million in May this year; Oregon recorded $3.7 million in May 2020 and $9.5 million by February. The matches often take place in unmarked venues and feature little-known players, unlike professional competitions, while data provider LSports describes the sport as a way for bookmakers to offer near-continuous live betting.