Big matches and casino nights have one thing in common – emotional investment. The experiences of big matches and casino nights are usually filled with excitement and anticipation. Emotions are usually high whenever these two forms of entertainment unfold due to their unpredictable nature. And since they seem to mirror each other in many aspects, every non GamStop casino UK and UK-regulated casinos offer a mix of football betting and casino games to tap into both markets.
In this write-up, we will explore why football fans treat big matches like casino nights so you can understand how they mirror each other. Read on!
The Atmosphere of High-Stakes Matches
Big football matches, derbies and finals, often create intense, suspenseful atmospheres similar to that of a casino. It's because the stakes are usually very high in major tournament finals like the World Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
Examples from Famous Matches
If you watched the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France in 2022, you must have noticed how the atmosphere was filled with fans' emotions and anticipation. France were the defending champions. Messi, on the other hand, was on the verge of becoming the first player in modern history to "complete football" if he won the World Cup. It was a "Messi vs. Mbappe" affair in the eyes of most fans.
Argentina started with a 2-0 lead. However, Mbappe's two goals within 97 seconds forced the game into extra time, where Messi made it 3-2. Unfortunately for Argentina fans, Mbappe made it 3-3 in the 118th minute, leading the match to a penalty shootout.
Argentina emerged as the winners after Emiliano Martínez saved a penalty in front of 1.5 billion spectators worldwide. Argentina's Gonzalo Monyiel summarised the drama after scoring the last penalty of the day.
Fans' reactions around the world reassembled the thrill of high-stakes gambling, especially when the extra time penalties were being taken, that's because the stakes were extremely high for both teams.
Emotional Rollercoaster and Risk-Taking
The outcomes of big matches are filled with unpredictability, particularly during finals. They very much mirror the risk and reward dynamics of casino games. Fans invest their emotions in every play, much like players betting in a casino, as explained below.
Fan Behaviour and Superstitions
Since time immemorial, humans have believed in superstitions. These superstitions and rituals have found their way into the modern entertainment world. The famous ones include fans refusing to wash their "lucky shirts" after a win. They believe it can bring luck in future games. Others stick to the same sitting arrangement, believing it brings luck during high-stakes games.
Casino players also have superstitions like lucky charms and blowing on dice before rolling them. Clearly, the way fans use superstitions to influence odds is similar to gamblers' behaviour in casinos.
Social and Communal Experiences
Unless you've been living under a rock, you must have noticed that the proliferation of casino games and sports like football has led to the creation of communities, both online and in real life. Football fans usually meet in pubs to share viewership whenever there's a big match. It has been a tradition for many years, especially in countries like the UK, where football is hugely celebrated.
Online forums have also been formed by casino enthusiasts. That's where they discuss experiences, tips, and strategies. Moreover, casino players have private members' clubs in places like London, where the wealthy meet to play casino games.
Betting Culture Around Football
Legal betting across Europe has experienced exponential growth due to advancements in technology. That's why you see regulators like Curacao eGaming being formed to help regulate both casino non AAMS and offshore betting sites in countries like Italy. In fact, Statista projects the revenue of the sports betting industry to reach US$181.43bn by 2029.
Fantasy leagues have also grown in popularity recently. Popular leagues include the FPL (Fantasy Premier League), where football fans select virtual squads of real-life Premier League players and manage them to earn virtual points at the end of each game week. Managers compete based on statistical performance.
These fantasy leagues have helped foster strong communities around football, the same way casino enthusiasts have community and social interaction based on their favourite casino games like poker and blackjack.
Conclusion
Football enthusiasts and casino players fully understand how emotional it can get when enjoying these two forms of entertainment. Clearly, the shared psychology between football fans and casino players is built on shared elements of anticipation, risk, reward, and community. And that's why many football fans treat big matches like casino nights!
