World Cup 2026 Expected to Drive Record Betting Activity in Brazil

The next FIFA World Cup is predicted to become the highest betting event in the sports betting market. Experts believe that worldwide sports bets might grow up to $60 billion due to the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Read more KSA Flags Betnation for Breaching Self‑Exclusion Rules

The increase in bets could be associated with the expansion of the tournament program. This time, the number of matches in the championship will be twice as big, 48 teams and 104 matches, against 64 matches in past tournaments.

Total betting revenues should pass the threshold of $50 billion, according to Darren Small, Vice President at Sportradar. In the meantime, the extended program is believed to result in the growth of live betting volumes.

Role of Brazil in World Cup Betting

One of the main participants in the betting on this event will be Brazil, a country whose regulated betting market was established in January 2025. Currently, the operators are actively preparing for the biggest event in the history of their market since its legalization.

Alexander Kamenetsky, COO of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, believes that Brazil can account for a huge percentage of global betting during the 2026 World Cup. As per his opinion, “it might be something like 10%” of the global betting volume.

Despite the optimism, the representatives of the Brazilian betting industry are careful with their forecasts. Plínio Lemos Jorge, the President of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), admitted that the Brazilian market is too new.

“Right now, we are preparing for the World Cup with a market that exists for one and a half years. Therefore, it will be difficult to give exact financial forecasts. However, there are very high hopes from all sides“, he commented.

Read more Josh Hokit makes strange Michelle Obama callout during post-win interview at UFC White House card

Expected Increase of Gambling Market Size

According to Creditas and Opinion Box research, the majority of residents of Brazil (56%) are going to participate in prediction pools and forecasts in connection with the World Cup. Among those people whose age is between 18 and 24 years old, the number of respondents is 70%.

The executives of the betting industry believe that the legalization of gambling services will positively affect the situation. Now, players have a lot of chances to use the services provided by licensed companies, which should attract new gamblers.

Stefano Andrade, CEO of BB Gaming, believes that this factor should contribute to the growth of the market. “It is clear that growth will happen not only among regular gamblers but also among millions of citizens of Brazil who will be making their first steps at the regulated platforms“, he stated.

Marco Tulio, CEO of Ana Gaming, explained that the World Cup creates a special atmosphere and encourages people to play. “Even those who are not really interested in sport begin following the matches and cheering for their teams together with relatives and friends“, he noted.

Goal of Directing More People to Legal Operators

The main task that should be accomplished before the start of the championship is redirecting increased betting traffic to the licensed operators. All the operators and gambling companies will try to ensure that people prefer platforms licensed by Brazil’s Ministry of Finance.

Aside from increasing the level of betting activity, the World Cup is viewed as an opportunity to improve the protection of gamblers’ rights, receive additional revenue from taxes, and promote regulated gambling in Brazil.

Read more Where is Mo Salah going? Liverpool, Egypt legend is transferring to new club after World Cup

Source: iGaming Brazil