The women’s college basketball season came to a close with Sunday’s national championship game, which was the most bet-on female sports event for at least three sportsbooks. Red Rock Las Vegas race and sportsbook director Chuck Esposito noted that the game shattered handle records and had the highest number of betting tickets written on it. The game was even broadcast on the main screen with audio at Red Rock, highlighting the immense interest from both viewers and bettors.
Westgate executive vice president of race and sports operations Jay Kornegay mentioned that South Carolina’s 87-75 victory over Iowa nearly doubled the betting action seen in the Hawkeyes’ Elite Eight win over LSU. Kornegay noted that if the game had been played in prime time, the betting activity would have been even higher, indicating its significance.
BetMGM also reported that the game marked their most wagered event in women’s sports. The anticipation surrounding the matchup between South Carolina and Iowa, with South Carolina vying for their third title under coach Dawn Staley and Iowa led by two-time AP Player of the Year Caitlin Clark, set the stage for record-breaking sports betting activity.
Clark’s remarkable skill in taking 3-pointers from various spots on the court made her a popular choice for bets and drove up TV ratings, shining a spotlight on women’s college basketball. This game marked Clark’s final appearance for Iowa, with a high likelihood that she will be the top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft by Indiana Fever. The popularity and excitement surrounding this matchup brought women’s college basketball to new heights, drawing massive attention from bettors and fans alike.
