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Betting on her: The rise of the women’s NCAA Tournament

March Madness is here! The month when college basketball takes center stage for all the world to see.

And it’s not just the men’s tournament grabbing attention these days.

Last year’s women’s title game had more viewers than the men’s, peaking at 24 million viewers.

It was the most watched women’s college basketball game on record, as well as the most watched basketball game, men’s or women’s, since 2019. (Thank you, Caitlin Clark!)

With the growth of women in sports and with millions of dollars up for grabs, the attention on women’s college basketball means sports bet markets are getting bigger!

The amount wagered on last year’s women’s national championship game was up 155% compared to 2023’s game. There was also a 29% increase in women betting on the NCAA women’s tournament year over year.

“You’re starting to see a lot more of these notable faces,” said sports bettor Joseph Djaja.

But are women worth betting on? A recent survey shows 90% of sports bettors plan to watch women’s sports this year.

“Whatever they’re excited about, and especially when they know the names to the players that they’re watching. especially those who have already started betting,” said Djaja.

Caitlin Clark was the most bet-on player in the WNBA.

She was making up five of the top 10 prop markets. While stats play a role in the decision to bet, remember the matchups that go with it.

“Always look at the trends and the stats and how often have they beaten this person? what’s their performance like when this person’s guarding them?” explained Djaja.

But remember, play it safe. Only bet what you can afford to lose, but if women’s college basketball continues to score with fans, it may be worth betting on her.

“I think for the next few years we’re going to see the WNBA rise and really be one of the top three, top four betting sports,” said Djaja.

According to the American Gaming Association, last year, US bettors were expected to wager more than $2.72 billion on men’s and women’s national tournaments using legalized sportsbooks.