

2026 World Cup to Boost Summer Sports Betting in the U.S.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to break seasonal sports betting trends in the U.S. The tournament, hosted by three North American countries, is expected to generate $2.9 billion in bets, significantly boosting summer sports betting. This year, the FIFA World Cup is expected to double the total from 2022, when the World Cup was held in Qatar.
The tournament will feature an expanded field of 48 teams, up from 32, providing plenty of opportunities for handicappers seeking some soccer action. The U.S. team will kick off group play on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The sheer number of games means plenty of opportunities for handicappers seeking some soccer action. That could be a boost for betting operators in the U.S. It also sets up for a huge year-over-year revenue decline in the summer months of 2027.
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Argus RivenI've spent years at the tables — cash and tournaments — and just as long shaping poker copy behind the scenes: room reviews, bonus fine print, tournament notes. At PokerInsider I write the way I wish more sites would: clear structure, honest trade-offs, no hype. Whether you're new or already grinding, I care about what the offer actually costs you — rake, variance, and the fine print — and I treat responsible play as part of the job, not a footnote.
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