For a long time, traditional markets like match winners and over/under totals dominated sports betting. But over the last few years, betting has evolved fast. With smarter bettors, sharper odds, and more in-game data, new types of markets are gaining popularity, and they’re reshaping how we think about risk and value.

So, what are people betting on in 2024? Let’s take a closer look at the markets that are growing fast—and why they’re pulling attention away from the usual options.

The Rise of Micro-Markets and Player Props

Modern bettors want more control, more flexibility, and more chances to win within the same match. That’s where micro-markets and player prop bets come in.

Instead of betting on a full match result, bettors now prefer specific in-game outcomes: how many fouls a player will commit, who will score first, or how many saves a goalkeeper will make. These bets are often settled within minutes adding excitement without the need to wait for a full-time result.

What’s Driving These Changes?

There are three key reasons why certain markets are booming:

1. Live data access – Bettors now have real-time access to stats, making quick decisions easier.
2. Streaming and second-screen culture – Watching games while scrolling odds is now standard.
3. Personalization – Bettors are becoming more analytical and want bets that match their insights, like betting on a left-back to get booked rather than just guessing a winner.

Top Growing Markets in 2024

Below is a breakdown of markets that have seen significant growth in popularity across major sportsbooks in 2023–2024:

Betting Market	Description	Popularity Trend
Player Props	Bets on individual player stats (goals, fouls, saves)	Rapid Growth
Cards (Yellow/Red)	Betting on bookings, often in derbies or tense matches	High Demand
Corners	Predicting corner count per half or team total	Rising Steadily
Shot on Target Markets	Number of shots by specific players	Strong Increase
First 10 Minutes	Action-based bets on early goals or events	New Favorite
VAR/Offside Specials	Novelty bets tied to refereeing decisions	Gaining Attention
Bet Builders	Custom combos of stats, teams, and outcomes	Skyrocketing

These markets reflect a growing trend: people want to bet in a more strategic, granular, and engaging way. Instead of guessing the winner, they want to bet on patterns they’ve studied or matchups they’ve researched.

Why Bettors Prefer These Markets

There’s something addictive about fast outcomes. Waiting 90 minutes for a single bet to resolve? Not anymore. Micro-markets and prop bets offer:

• More betting opportunities in one game
• Faster settlements (often within minutes)
• Better edge for niche knowledge
• Entertainment with less emotional risk

For example, a bettor who closely follows individual player behavior might not be great at predicting a winner but they can accurately forecast how many tackles or fouls that player will make. And that’s where these markets shine.

The Bookmaker’s Perspective

Bookmakers are also pushing these markets because they know engagement goes up. Bet builders, in particular, are designed to look personalized while maintaining solid margins for the house.

At the same time, offering more data-driven markets allows sportsbooks to cater to experienced bettors without increasing exposure to high-risk outcomes. It’s a win-win setup unless you’re a lazy bettor sticking to 1X2 odds only.

The sports betting world is evolving beyond basic match results. In 2024, smart bettors are exploring new territory betting on actions, not just outcomes. Whether it’s player props, cards, corners, or ultra-specific live bets, the modern bettor is sharper, faster, and more informed.

If you haven’t explored these markets yet, now’s the time to start. With the right data and discipline, the value may no longer lie in who wins the game but in what happens along the way.