2022 FIFA World Cup wagering estimated at $1.8 billion

American Gaming Association (AGA) conducted an inaugural survey on World Cup betting. AGA reported that 20.5 million American adults (8%) intend to wager a total of $1.8 billion on the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ to show the great interest in the most popular soccer event worldwide.

No regulatory concerns:

Almost one third (29%) of American adults eager to watch the most popular soccer tournament plan to place bets on the FIFA World Cup. At the same time, the majority (78%) of World Cup bettors reported that they it is of a great importance for them that their wagers are placed in a legal manner and with legal operators. It is apparent that the bettors want to indulge in the World Cup experience without any regulatory concerns.

Bet placing channels:

As for the wagering concerns, 9.8 million (48%) of World Cup bettors intend to place their bets online, while around 6.0 million (29%) intend to use the sports betting operators‘ services in a casual manner, as a part of the relaxing watching experience with family and friends.

Some other bettors – 4.7 million or 23% – will rather place their wagers at a physical casino sportsbook, unlike 4.1 million (20%) of bettors who plan to place a bet with a bookie. Finally, 3.5 million, or 17% of the World Cup bettors are ready to make their bets a part of paid pool or fantasy contest.

Online betting preferred:

The AGA survey reveals that the huge majority of World Cup bettors (72%) are ready to place traditional bets online, with a bookie, or at a physical sportsbook. This practice is different to betting habits related to other major events like the Super Bowl or March Madness that have significant casual betting opportunities.