It is now common knowledge that football is the most loved sport around the world. It’s a versatile enough game that is played in large stadiums when it comes to competitions but is enjoyed by people from all walks of life in smaller, often cramped, spaces when played for fun. It is the idea behind the game, the passion that carries it forward, and the megastars that are always in the news, which make football a game that is not only appreciated for the talent of the players, but it is also a medium that brings people together.
When we look at football on the world stage, there are a few countries that dominate the sport. They not only have the best teams but hold competitions regularly, which are followed by fans and punters far and wide. But to understand the true reach of football, one must look at the lesser-known events that take place across the planet. It’s not just about Manchester City winning the Premier League or even the euphoria surrounding the World Cup every four years, for football at a grassroots level is enthusiastically relished by players, fans, bettors, and bookmakers across nations of all sizes.
Indian Super League
Cricket might be the game that drives India, but football is equally popular among the masses. The top division football competition in the country, Indian Super League, is played over seven months. It consists of 10 teams, and most leading bookmakers follow the matches offering their customers lucrative betting offers. With a limited number of teams playing, punters can make the most of these offers and walk away with significant profits. Bookmakers such as Bet365 give out £100 new account bonuses as well as free bets and advanced odds to make the deal sweeter for bettors.
Sports betting is a very different beast from most forms of gambling as it has less to do with luck and more to do with applying knowledge of the game and the players to the smartest, most strategic bets possible. It also requires extensive knowledge of how sports betting works and what different odds mean. It’s safer, for example, to place a fairly large sum on the odds-on favourite to win but if you play against the odds for the underdog to come up tops then even small amounts of money placed on a game can reap big rewards. It all depends on how much you’re willing to risk.
Local leagues are an excellent opportunity to make some serious gains, especially when the more prominent associations are in their resting period. They’re also a perfect place to get the hang of football betting. Betting on your average Premier League match, for example, is all about high-risk, high-reward and can be extremely daunting to new bettors. Local leagues, however, offer a certain comfort zone for those dipping their toes in the water, even if the matches themselves could be as surprising as those in the big leagues.
Bhutan National League
Considered amongst the happiest nations in the world, Bhutan is a fantastic destination nestled in the Himalayas. A small country with a large heart, the people of Bhutan, enjoy playing football, and have six teams competing every year in their national league. It wasn’t long back when Bhutan was officially the worst football team in the world, but over the years they have improved their play and have performed well in World Cup qualifying matches. A little exotic, indulging in the Bhutan National League can be an exciting prospect for a punter who spends a short time analysing their limited number of teams. Moreover, the lesser known leagues are not all that well known to bookmakers, and there is always the chance of making a big win based on favourable odds.
Vatican City Championship
The most surprising of leagues is the Vatican City Championship which consists of teams made with players from the various state departments. To add a bit of flavour and professionalism, the teams can include one player from the Italian amateur side as their goalkeeper. While Vatican City doesn’t play competition level matches, they do have a national team that partakes in friendly games from time to time.
