Why World Cup betting is a guessing game for American bookmakers

Why World Cup betting is a guessing game for American bookmakers

Article brief provided by ESPN
  • David Purdum , ESPN
November 18, 2022 4:06 PM
  • David Purdum , ESPN
  • United States

The World Cup is a massive betting event for European sportsbooks, but it’s more of a guessing game for American bookmakers, especially this year.

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According to FIFA, $155 billion was bet globally on the 2018 World Cup, which took place in its traditional summer slot in Russia. The United States men’s national team did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and the betting on the tournament at Nevada sportsbooks was average. The U.S. men are back in the tournament this year, but other factors are tempering bookmakers’ expectations.

“We’re bullish, but have modest expectations,” Karol Corcoran, general manager of FanDuel’s online sportsbook, said of the World Cup, which kicks off Nov. 20 in Qatar.