2026 World Cup Poised to Shatter Global Sports Betting Records

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to become the largest single gambling event in history, with industry analysts estimating a staggering $50 billion in total wagers—approximately $500 million per match—according to financial services firm Macquarie.

The surge is largely attributed to the tournament’s expanded format, which increases the fixture list to 104 matches, a significant jump from the 64 games contested in Qatar 2022. Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of Paddy Power, Betfair, and Sky Bet, forecasts the total handle will double that of the previous edition, fueled by meteoric growth in the United States and Brazil.

Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon notes a fundamental shift in betting behavior: in-play wagering has eclipsed traditional pre-match betting. “Now it’s all about reacting to what you’re seeing on the field, adjusting your views in real time,” Beynon explained. “Previously, you had to place your bet before kickoff and simply watch and wait.”

The U.S. market remains a primary catalyst. Since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling struck down the federal ban on sports betting, the industry has expanded rapidly across numerous states. However, major holdouts such as California and Texas continue to prohibit sportsbooks. In those jurisdictions, prediction markets—a billion-dollar sector popular with younger male demographics—have emerged as a popular alternative. Because they are not legally classified as gambling, these platforms allow users to wager on sporting outcomes regardless of state restrictions.

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