Bettors Embrace Sports Equinox: 15 Games Across 4 Leagues

Basio badr

ago 3 hours

In the world of sports, certain moments stand out, particularly during the autumn months. One of the most anticipated occasions is the sports equinox, a unique day when all four of the major U.S. professional leagues—MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL—are all in action. This phenomenon first occurred on October 17, 1971, and has since become a celebrated event, with the 31st occurrence logged and the next expected on October 27, 2025.

Bettors Embrace Sports Equinox

The sports equinox has gained significant traction among sports bettors, who eagerly look forward to the mix of games. The day often results in a surge in sports betting activity, enhancing the overall excitement for fans. BetMGM’s Chief Revenue Officer, Matt Prevost, speaks of this trend, noting an increase in wagers compared to an average day.

Impact on Betting Volume

2024’s sports equinox saw a 15% increase in total wagers compared to the average.
Over 50% more bets were placed on the 2024 equinox compared to 2023.
The anticipated 2025 equinox includes key matchups: MLB World Series Game 3, NFL’s Washington Commanders vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 11 NBA games, and 2 NHL contests.

While not every year has produced a sports equinox, since 2015, at least one has been held annually, sometimes even three times in a season. Historically, these events usually happen in October as MLB concludes its postseason, while the NFL is deep into its season and the NBA and NHL kick off their campaigns.

A Unique October Landscape

October 2025 promises a particularly thrilling lineup for sports fans. For instance, October 13 features MLB championship series games, two NFL games, and a full NHL schedule. The following week, Game 7 of the ALCS will determine which team advances to the World Series.

NBA’s Role in Sports Betting

NBA games are also critical to the sports landscape in October. Prevost indicates that the start of the NBA season serves as a re-engagement opportunity for bettors, as basketball ranks second in popularity for betting, only behind football. The influx of basketball into the equation helps renew interest among bettors who focus primarily on basketball during the season.

MLB’s Season Boost

During the sports equinox, MLB also benefits from a spike in betting. The significance of postseason games generates heightened interest, as more meaningful matches occur. According to DraftKings’ sportsbook director, Johnny Avello, fewer games during the postseason get overshadowed by the excitement surrounding critical matchups.

Trends in October Sports Betting

The overarching trend shows October as a pivotal month for sports and betting. BetMGM reported a 32.4% increase in tickets and a 27.3% rise in handle compared to other months. The increased betting activity poses unique challenges for sportsbooks as they must ensure their infrastructure can handle the higher transaction volumes.

During this festive time, sportsbooks are prepared to support bettors with special promotions and markets aligned with the sports equinox. Ultimately, this occasion not only enhances fans’ connections to their favorite leagues but also represents a peak period for sports betting nationwide.