With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, operators are preparing for what could be the most lucrative wagering event ever staged on North American soil. According to data analytics firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, US sportsbooks could take in as much as $4.4 billion in bets if the national team performs well. Even in a less optimistic scenario, experts are confident that the tournament will bolster a usually slow summer stretch for operators.
The World Cup Offers Unique Opportunities
According to a recent ESPN report, timing could be critical. With games scheduled across US time zones, matches will be far more accessible to domestic viewers than in past tournaments set in Asia, Europe, or the Middle East. That convenience, along with the novelty of hosting the tournament, is expected to draw in casual bettors who might otherwise sit out the summer months.
In general, the summer tends to be quieter. Injecting the World Cup into it totally reshapes the field.
Greg Karamitis, DraftKings EVP and GM of sports
Operators are already preparing for this boosted engagement. Bettors can expect a wave of promotions, expanded betting options, and aggressive customer acquisition campaigns. For sportsbooks, the World Cup isn’t just about volume. It is a perfect opportunity to reach users who may stick around well after the final match.
Globally, the numbers are even more striking. According to H2 Gambling Capital estimates, total bets on regulated sportsbooks worldwide could reach as much as $60 billion during the tournament. The shift to 48 teams means dozens more matches, creating more betting opportunities. Newly regulated markets such as Brazil could see the biggest surge in activity.
Gambling Harm Remains a Notable Risk
Prediction markets could also greatly benefit from the event. Platforms that allow users to trade positions on event outcomes are expected to generate billions of dollars of volume related to the tournament. Estimates indicate more than $2.5 billion could be bet through US exchanges alone, underscoring a growing demand for alternatives to fixed-odds betting.
In demographic terms, young men, especially those under 35, account for a significant share of real-money wagering. Higher-income groups are also more likely to engage with such a high-profile tournament. Meanwhile, social betting such as office pools and wagers between friends remains popular, bolstering engagement. In many cases, this type of gambling draws users toward regulated operators.
However, the expected betting boom comes with familiar concerns. According to recent surveys, people are generally aware of the risks of gambling. However, confidence in avoiding harm is less certain. Regulators and public health organizations are likely going to keep a close eye as betting activity heats up, especially given the tournament’s reach and the intensity of marketing efforts surrounding it.