SPORTS

United States World Cup drives record betting surge

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United States – The 2026 World Cup is already setting sports gambling records even before the knockout stage, with an expanded 48-nation, 104-match format and market-favourable kickoff times driving what industry leaders say will be unprecedented betting activity. Analysts and operators expect the tournament to far surpass the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, supported by the rapid growth of regulated sports betting, broader and more sophisticated betting products, and the scale of the market in co-host nation the United States. Macquarie forecasts that total wagers on the tournament will exceed $50 billion globally, compared with about $35 billion staked on the previous edition. United States – Flutter Entertainment, the world’s largest online betting company and owner of brands including FanDuel, Paddy Power, Betfair, Sisal, Sportsbet and Sky Bet, said the enlarged competition is lifting engagement not only in the United States but also in key markets such as Britain, Spain, Brazil, Australia and Canada. A Flutter spokesperson said the group expects the World Cup to be the biggest betting event of all time, helped by the extended format and partial hosting in its core U.S. market. The company anticipates around 10 million customers across its platforms and plans to manage about 100,000 bets per minute at peak moments, with overall staking at least double the levels recorded during the Qatar tournament.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2022 Qatar World Cup generates $35 billion wagers
2022 Legal U.S. betting access near 40 percent
Early 2026 Expanded 48‑nation World Cup confirmed
Early 2026 Macquarie projects over $50 billion wagers
Early 2026 Flutter targets 10 million betting customers
Early 2026 Company expects staking at least double
Early 2026 Peak volumes reach 100,000 bets minute
Tournament period Brazil, U.S. opening matches set records

Why This Matters to You

The 2026 World Cup could be a game-changer for sports betting. With an expanded format and U.S. hosting, it's expected to draw record wagers. If you're a betting enthusiast, this means more options and excitement. Just remember to bet responsibly.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 World Cup is set to be the biggest betting event ever, with wagers predicted to top $50 billion. This surge is driven by the growth of regulated sports betting and the U.S. market. If you're into sports betting, this is one event you won't want to miss. Share this with your fellow betting buddies.