Scandinavia is full of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sports running deep in the blood of its people. The region boasts many homegrown sports that are very popular locally, while Scandinavian players are prevalent across some of the most popular sports and competitive leagues in the world.
With all this driving sporting interest in the region, there are plenty of reasons for sports fans to closely follow and wager on sports. Here’s a look at which sports are the most popular there, both for supporters and punters alike.
Football
Having a strong tradition in winter and summer sports, Norway is very fond of its teams and athletes since they boast the likes of Erling Haaland. However, this passion does not stop there and extends to punting, with online betting in Norway fuelling this craze even more. According to betting expert Sara Louise, online sportsbooks that offer great bonuses and odds are available through offshore sites since Norway’s local online betting options for sports are limited to one state-run site.
When it comes to which sports Norwegians love to watch and bet on the most, football is the undisputed favorite— not just there but across Scandinavia. In fact, Scandinavia’s top leagues, such as Sweden’s Allsvenskan, Norway’s Eliteserien, and Denmark’s Superliga, are huge in terms of viewers and support.
Scandinavian football clubs have made many world-class players whose stories, from young talent to football icons, are so interesting and captivating to their fans worldwide. For those new to football betting, understanding the basics of football betting can provide a solid foundation for making informed wagers. Additionally, those looking to engage with football in a different way can try fantasy football, as it can be an exciting activity.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is one of the major sports in Scandinavia, specifically in Sweden and Finland. The SHL, the Swedish Hockey League, and the Liiga of Finland are among the most competitive European ice hockey leagues. The sport has a place within Scandinavian culture and a tradition of great results in international competitions like the World Championships and the Winter Olympics.
It is equally famous for ice hockey betting, where punters bet upon everything from the result of the match to the number of goals scored. Fast-paced gameplay makes it an exciting game to watch and bet on.
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is almost synonymous with Scandinavian sports culture. Norway, the medal lords of the Winter Olympics, along with Sweden and Finland, consistently secure medals at both the Winter Olympics and World Championships. The popularity of cross-country skiing in Scandinavia is equally extensive, with many people actively participating in it.
There are many cross-country skiing betting markets available to fans, from race winners to overall World Cup standings, even down to head-to-head matchups between skiers. Such immense popularity solidifies this type of betting as a staple in the Scandinavian sports betting scene.
Handball
Another popular sport is handball. While it is a favorite in Scandinavia, Denmark holds a special place for it. The country’s male handball team is one of the finest globally and has regularly featured in international competitions. Domestic leagues and international games are equally followed by large numbers of fans who often come out to support their teams with zeal.
Sweden has a strong handball tradition, with the sport often cited as one of the top three team sports in the country. Recently, the Swedish national handball team secured their first major title in twenty years. Sweden defeated Spain in the EHF Euro 2022 final, showcasing a blend of experienced players and emerging talent.
Amongst Scandinavian sports fans, handball betting is specifically huge. Many place bets on large tournaments, such as the European Handball Championship and the Olympics. Since handball is a high-scoring, fast-paced game, it excites people who want to indulge in sports betting to a great extent.
Athletics
Most events are widespread in Scandinavia, with a special focus on events like the javelin throw, long jump, and marathon running. Scandinavian athletes have had the most success in each of these events, and several international athletics competitions are held annually in this region.
There are many opportunities in athletics, from winning single events to championship performances. Athletics tends to be one of the more common staple opportunities for betting in Scandinavian sportsbooks, especially with the World Championships and the Olympics. And for those keen on keeping up with the action, knowing which is the best streaming option for sports can make all the difference in the viewing experience.
Conclusion
Sports culture in Scandinavia is as colorful as it is passionate, with fans from every corner of the region rallying behind their favorite teams and athletes. Be it football, ice hockey, or cross-country skiing, there is certainly no shortage of excitement for sports lovers. Regarding betting, the region offers so much in getting close to the action, with an enormous variety of markets available across different sports.
Leisurely sports fans in Scandinavian countries never stop at classic kinds of sports. With the rise of online sports betting, one has even more ways to participate—from live betting during a match to new markets such as esports. No matter your preference, Scandinavia’s sports scene has something for everyone.
