The iconic Masters Tournament has established itself as a global betting phenomenon, ranking as the fourth most wagered-on sporting event of the year according to data released Wednesday by Entain plc, co-owner of BetMGM.
Only the Grand National horse race, UEFA Champions League final, and NFL Super Bowl generate more betting action than golf's prestigious spring classic, which will return to Augusta National Golf Course on April 10-13, 2025.
"The Masters is more than just a golf tournament – it's a springtime tradition that brings out the fan in all of us," stated Greg Ferris, Managing Director for Sports at Entain. "The combination of iconic players, a legendary course, and unique betting opportunities makes it the perfect stage for patriotic punting and exciting new markets."
The tournament, offering a $20 million purse, dominates golf betting markets. According to industry data, it accounts for approximately 40% of all wagers across the sport's four major championships, which collectively generate one-third of annual golf betting activity.
What separates Masters betting from other major championships is the tournament's permanent home at Augusta National. This consistency allows bettors to make more informed decisions based on players' historical performances at the same venue, unlike other majors that rotate courses.
According to Statbet, this predictability factor is reflected in the significantly lower average starting price of Masters winners (+2,345) compared to US Open (+3320), The Open Championship (+4240), and PGA Championship (+5310) champions.
Looking ahead to 2025, American Scottie Scheffler leads the odds at +450, seeking his third green jacket in four years after victories in 2022 and 2024. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy follows at +650, with Collin Morikawa and 2023 champion Jon Rahm both at +1400.
Bryson DeChambeau, whose growing social media presence has helped fuel his popularity among American bettors, sits at +1600, while Sweden's Ludvig Aberg rounds out the top contenders at +2000.
The tournament will also feature enhanced betting options this year, with new live markets including "nearest the pin" bets and other innovations designed to boost engagement throughout the four-day championship.
"This year, with stars like DeChambeau lighting up social media and fresh in-play options, we're expecting record engagement across both sides of the Atlantic," Ferris added.
Interestingly, the last decade has seen no Masters winner emerge from pre-tournament odds longer than +5,000, further highlighting the event's relative predictability compared to other majors.
