World Cup Approaching; Experts Predict Global Betting Revenue Could Exceed $50 Billion
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, experts predict global sports betting revenue could exceed $50 billion, driven by an expanded team format and increased focus on star players.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 29, 2026 at 20:12
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 00:01 (51h 49m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 00:26 (24h 24m after Collected)
The 2026 World Cup kicks off in mid-June. Betting expert Darren Small told AFP that global betting revenue for this tournament could exceed $50 billion. This figure is expected to be significantly higher than the 2022 World Cup, partly due to the expansion of participating teams from 32 to 48. Another factor is that bettors are increasingly focusing on the 'star effect' of individual players rather than just betting on teams. David Stevens, a spokesperson for British betting firm Coral, also noted that the scale of this event will surely make it the largest betting event in history.
FAQ
What is sports betting?
Wagering on the outcome of sporting events.