Bumper World Cup tipped to smash betting records (opens original article in a new tab)

The 2026 World Cup is expected to break betting records with increased engagement and higher volumes, driven by expanded teams, favorable kickoff times, and regulatory changes in the U.S., though long-term financial impact remains uncertain.

• 2026 World Cup is expected to set new betting records with increased teams and kickoff times
• Betting volumes are projected to double compared to 2022 tournament
• Major firms like FanDuel and DraftKings report record engagement and handle
• Regulatory changes in the U.S. have expanded legal betting access to 65% of the population
• Betting firms face challenges in converting short-term engagement into long-term customers
• Macquarie forecasts global wagers above $50 billion, up from $35 billion in 2022