Sportsbook operators report that betting on the World Cup is running ahead of expectations, attributing the momentum to strong consumer interest and high visibility surrounding the tournament. Multiple outlets cite sportsbook executives saying that handle and betting activity are exceeding what they planned for this year’s competition. Caesars Sportsbook’s head of soccer trading, Mark Bickerdike, says the amount being wagered has surpassed expectations. DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello similarly points to increased wagering as the tournament moves through its later stages.
The reports note that betting is concentrated around the World Cup’s 48-team format and the start of the knockout stage, which begins Sunday, framing a new wave of wagers as teams play elimination matches. Avello compares the current level of attention to the NCAA Tournament in college basketball, suggesting the World Cup is attracting similar mainstream betting interest.
Overall, the sources agree that sportsbooks anticipated record-setting activity because several factors aligned, and they now describe results as stronger than expected following the start of the knockout stage.
