Analysts are expecting a massive increase in sports betting on this year’s World Cup compared to the 2018 tournament.
Barclays analysts claim the tournament is expected to see $35 billion in wagers. That figure would be a 65% increase from four years ago.
The tournament’s nine draws to date have been favorable to sportsbooks since most bettors pick one team to win.
High Stakes for U.S.
While Europe is likely the bigger hub for World Cup bets, the U.S. is enjoying its first tournament since legal sports betting became widespread in the country.
- During the 2018 World Cup — for which the U.S. did not qualify — sports betting was legal for around 10 million Americans.
- It is currently legal for roughly 132 million.
According to the American Gaming Association, 20.5 million Americans planned before the tournament to place a total of $1.8 billion in World Cup bets.
With the U.S. advancing to the knockout stage after its 1-0 victory over Iran on Tuesday, U.S. bettors will be able to bet on the national team for at least one more game.
![[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) in action with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz (8) during the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/USATSI_26636449_168416386_lowres-1-scaled.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
![ESPN Bet broadcasts inside the PGA Tour Studios building in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on March 14, 2025. [Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union]](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/USATSI_25668497_168416386_lowres-scaled-e1762454726629.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
