World Cup 2026 Expected to Be Biggest Betting Event in History
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to become the largest betting event in history, with analysts forecasting more than $50 billion in wagers.
The projection, published by financial services firm Macquarie, would represent a sharp increase from the estimated $35 billion wagered during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
According to the report, betting volume could average around $500 million per match during the six-week tournament, which begins this week and concludes in July.
Expanded Tournament Expected to Boost Betting Activity
One of the main drivers behind the projected increase is the expansion of the World Cup from 32 teams to 48 teams. The new format will feature 104 matches, compared with 64 at the 2022 tournament, creating significantly more betting opportunities for fans.
Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon said favourable time zones across host nations, the United States, Canada and Mexico, are also expected to increase viewership and wagering activity in Europe, Latin America and Africa.
The growth of legal sports betting in the United States is another key factor. Around 65% of the US population now has access to legal sports wagering, compared with roughly 40% during the previous World Cup. Analysts estimate that US bettors alone could wager approximately $3.3 billion on the tournament.
Sportsbooks and Prediction Markets Eye Growth
Major operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM and Caesars, are expected to benefit from increased betting activity. Sportsbooks have expanded their soccer offerings since 2022, with operators introducing more same-game parlays, live betting markets and tournament-specific promotions.
Prediction markets are also expected to play a larger role during the tournament. Platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket have reported record trading volumes in recent weeks as interest in event-based contracts continues to grow.
The World Cup arrives at a time when prediction markets remain under regulatory scrutiny in the United States. That scrutiny has already reached the state level, with Minnesota becoming the first state to ban prediction markets. Earlier this week, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission proposed tighter restrictions on certain event contracts, including those related to gaming activities.
More Business
Responsible Gambling Concerns Raised
While the tournament is expected to generate record betting volumes, gambling harm advocates have warned about the risks associated with prolonged exposure to betting products. Les Bernal, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, said the tournament could contribute to financial harm among vulnerable consumers.
Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of gambling-blocking technology provider Gamban, said the tournament's schedule of daily matches could encourage more frequent betting behaviour.
“Fans will be bombarded with continuous advertising and inducements for frequent betting opportunities”, Zarb-Cousin said. “For the gambling industry, the World Cup will be like March Madness on steroids.”
Industry analysts noted that operators with integrated casino platforms may benefit the most if they successfully convert World Cup bettors into long-term customers. With more teams, more matches and broader legal access to sports betting than ever before, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to set a new benchmark for global gambling activity.
RELATED TOPICS: Business
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for World Cup 2026 Expected to Be Biggest Betting Event in History