A 20-percent drop in Masters TV ratings year-over-year has people wondering it means for the sport’s popularity. Are fans sick of the whole PGA Tour vs. LIV drama? Do fans miss seeing Tiger Woods playing often and well? Or was it just a result of changing viewing habits and the 2024 tournament not finishing on Easter Sunday this year?
The answer is likely a mix of all of the above. But if you want to feel encouraged about the interest level in pro golf, look no farther than the world of gambling.
RELATED: Masters party host giving out betting slips to guests is a genius move
That’s because while Masters TV ratings were down, betting on the tournament was way up at one of the largest sportsbooks. And the increased participation of one particular group of people might surprise you.
According to BetMGM, there was a nearly 50 percent increase in total bets from 2023 to 2024. And a lot of those wagers were made by women.
“Women keep on betting with BetMGM, and the 2024 Masters Tournament was no different,” said Seamus Magee, Trading Manager, BetMGM. “BetMGM saw a nearly 50 percent increase on total bets for the Masters year-over-year with a whopping 161 percent increase in women betting on the tournament.”
So there you have it, folks. Pro golf is so hot right now. At least, in terms of gambling.
RELATED: Ian Poulter takes a shot a PGA Tour TV ratings
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
