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Gaming Edge’s TL;DR
- BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings Sportsbook say betting on the 2026 World Cup has been stronger than expected, with the US team drawing especially heavy action.
- The biggest drivers appear to be the tournament’s North American setting, favorable viewing windows and the U.S. team’s early success.
Sportsbook executives told the Las Vegas Sun that World Cup wagering has surpassed internal expectations.
Caesars Sportsbook head of soccer trading Mark Bickerdike said:
“I think it has exceeded our expectations,”
DraftKings Sportsbook Director Johnny Avello said the event could end up being the biggest betting event of the year.
BetMGM Sportsbook said the US has been its most bet-on team in the tournament, and its three most bet-on games have all involved the Americans. The US won its first two matches and captured its group, helping push more attention into the knockout stage.
BetMGM Trading Manager Christian Cipollini said the Americans’ Wednesday night match against Bosnia-Herzegovina could become BetMGM’s most bet-on soccer game ever.
France still the favorite
BetMGM’s futures data also offers a clear look at sports betting sentiment. France led the book with 15.3% of tickets and 20.4% of the money to win the tournament. Spain accounted for 20.5% of handle, much of it placed before the event began.
The US also saw a notable odds move at BetMGM, shifting from 50-1 to 25-1. Caesars listed the Americans at 30-1, while DraftKings had them at 33-1.
Beyond the favorites, sportsbooks reported interest in longer shots, including Colombia, Switzerland, and Congo. Handicapper Bruce Marshall of Caesars said Colombia was getting strong support, while Switzerland stood out as a team “nobody’s talking about.”
Based on reporting by The Las Vegas Sun.
