$500M per match, over $50B total projected; gambling addiction concerns grow

An artist paints a mural near the FIFA Fan Fest in downtown Houston, Texas, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [AFP]
An artist paints a mural near the FIFA Fan Fest in downtown Houston, Texas, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [AFP]

Sports betting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to reach roughly $50 billion (76 trillion won) — the largest amount ever wagered on the tournament.

Citing a report by global investment bank Macquarie, the BBC reported on June 11 (Korean Standard Time) that bettors are expected to place an average of $500 million (964 billion won) per match, pushing total wagers above $50 billion.

That would represent about a 1.4-fold increase from the $35 billion (53 trillion won) wagered during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Macquarie cited the expansion of the tournament field from 32 to 48 nations and the increase in matches from 64 to more than 100 as key drivers. The bank also noted that many matches will be scheduled at times convenient for bettors in Europe, Latin America and Africa — regions where sports gambling is well established.

Growth in the United States sports betting market is adding further momentum to the forecast. About 65 percent of the American population now lives in jurisdictions where sports betting is legal — up sharply from roughly 40 percent at the time of the 2022 Qatar tournament.

The 2026 World Cup is on track to be the first edition in which a majority of Americans can legally place a bet.

The projections have also amplified concerns about problem gambling. Les Bernal, secretary-general of the civic group 'Anti-Gambling Movement,' warned that hundreds of thousands of people worldwide — particularly young men — face serious financial hardship from gambling during every World Cup. He urged governments to impose stricter regulations, saying gambling addiction carries a higher suicide risk than any other addiction.


yjc@heraldcorp.com