Sportsbooks poised for record World Cup handle in U.S.

Sportsbooks poised for record World Cup handle in U.S.

Article brief provided by Sportico
  • Asli Pelit, Sportico
October 27, 2022 2:39 PM
  • Asli Pelit, Sportico

Sports betting operators are putting all their chips on next month’s World Cup in the hope it will be a watershed moment for soccer wagering in the U.S.

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Historically the fourth quarter is the best for sports betting, especially in November, and this year the usual slate of NFL, NBA, NHL and major college sports will be joined by four World Cup games a day. The early marquee matches include a United States vs. England game on the Friday after Thanksgiving—which will likely feature a stampede of bettors and a record-breaking day for sportsbooks.

According to FIFA, the total global handle for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was an estimated $146 billion. At the time, only three U.S. states (Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey) offered sportsbooks. Today, 37 states have legalized sports betting.