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Analyst: World Cup set to accelerate online sports betting growth

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 2:52 PM
Photo: Shutterstock
  • David McKee, COMPLETE iGAMING

World Cup-related betting in the US is projected to generate US$3.3 billion in handle, according to a study by Deutsche Bank analyst Steven Pizzella.

Pizzella felt that at least US$2.5 billion would be wagered on the tournament and possibly as much as US$4.1 billion. The World Cup, he wrote on May 18, “could be a short term catalyst for digital stocks. ”

The analyst identified multiple catalytic factors to the 2026 tournament. He cited its expanded number of matches, as well as a larger adult populace that has access to online sports betting. Growth in first-time bettors was also singled out.