2026 FIFA World Cup Set to Become Largest Betting Event Ever
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 59 minutes ago
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Betting Market Forecast: Analysts predict that global wagers on the 2026 World Cup could exceed $50 billion, a significant increase from over $35 billion during the 2022 tournament, indicating that the event will create substantial customer acquisition opportunities for sportsbooks.
- Operational Profit Boost: Macquarie expects the World Cup to enhance 2027 operator EBITDA by 2% to 5%, with the most significant benefits accruing to companies like Flutter Entertainment that have large soccer audiences, highlighting their competitive strength in both North America and Brazil.
- Market Maturity Deepens: The U.S. sports betting market has matured significantly, with 65% of the U.S. population now having legal access to sports betting, up from about 40% during the 2022 tournament, indicating a vast market potential.
- Rise of Prediction Platforms: Kalshi and Polymarket saw a 13% week-over-week increase in trading volume, reaching $7 billion, showcasing the rapid growth of prediction markets, which have attracted participation from companies like Fanatics and DraftKings, further diversifying the market.
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Analyst Views on FLUT
Wall Street analysts forecast FLUT stock price to rise
26 Analyst Rating
23 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 104.950
Low
228.00
Averages
296.77
High
381.46
Current: 104.950
Low
228.00
Averages
296.77
High
381.46
About FLUT
Flutter Entertainment plc is an online sports betting and iGaming operator. Its segments include the United States (U.S.), United Kingdom and Ireland (UKI), Australia and International. The U.S. segment offers sports betting, casino, DFS and horse racing wagering products to players across various states in the United States, mainly online but with sports betting services also provided through retail outlets and certain online products in the province of Ontario in Canada. The UKI segment offers sports betting (sportsbook), iGaming products and other products through its Sky Betting & Gaming, Paddy Power, Betfair and tombola brands. Its Australia segment offers online sports betting products through its Sportsbet brand. The International segment includes its operations in 100 global markets and offers sports betting, casino, poker, rummy and lottery, mainly online. This segment includes Sisal, PokerStars, Snai, Betfair International, Adjarabet, MaxBet, Betnacional, and other brands.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
2026 FIFA World Cup Set to Become Largest Betting Event Ever
- Betting Market Forecast: Analysts predict that global wagers on the 2026 World Cup could exceed $50 billion, a significant increase from over $35 billion during the 2022 tournament, indicating that the event will create substantial customer acquisition opportunities for sportsbooks.
- Operational Profit Boost: Macquarie expects the World Cup to enhance 2027 operator EBITDA by 2% to 5%, with the most significant benefits accruing to companies like Flutter Entertainment that have large soccer audiences, highlighting their competitive strength in both North America and Brazil.
- Market Maturity Deepens: The U.S. sports betting market has matured significantly, with 65% of the U.S. population now having legal access to sports betting, up from about 40% during the 2022 tournament, indicating a vast market potential.
- Rise of Prediction Platforms: Kalshi and Polymarket saw a 13% week-over-week increase in trading volume, reaching $7 billion, showcasing the rapid growth of prediction markets, which have attracted participation from companies like Fanatics and DraftKings, further diversifying the market.
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- Market Potential: According to Statista, Serbia's online gambling revenue is projected to grow to $186 million by 2029, with MaxBet holding an estimated 15%-20% online market share, making this partnership poised to significantly boost Expanse's revenue generation capabilities.
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- Strategic Partnership: Meridian Holdings' subsidiary Expanse Studios has signed a strategic distribution agreement with Serbia's leading omni-channel gaming operator MaxBet, aiming to expand its proprietary gaming portfolio's reach in the Serbian market through MaxBet's established infrastructure.
- Market Potential: According to Statista, Serbia's online gambling revenue is projected to grow to $186 million by 2029, with MaxBet holding an estimated 15%-20% online market share, presenting significant revenue generation opportunities for both parties.
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2026 FIFA World Cup Set to Become Largest Betting Event Ever
- Betting Market Forecast: Analysts predict that global wagers on the 2026 World Cup could exceed $50 billion, a significant increase from over $35 billion during the 2022 tournament, indicating that the event will create substantial customer acquisition opportunities for sportsbooks.
- Operational Profit Boost: Macquarie expects the World Cup to enhance 2027 operator EBITDA by 2% to 5%, with the most significant benefits accruing to companies like Flutter Entertainment that have large soccer audiences, highlighting their competitive strength in both North America and Brazil.
- Market Maturity Deepens: The U.S. sports betting market has matured significantly, with 65% of the U.S. population now having legal access to sports betting, up from about 40% during the 2022 tournament, indicating a vast market potential.
- Rise of Prediction Platforms: Kalshi and Polymarket saw a 13% week-over-week increase in trading volume, reaching $7 billion, showcasing the rapid growth of prediction markets, which have attracted participation from companies like Fanatics and DraftKings, further diversifying the market.
See More
NYSE Issues Daily Pre-Market Advisory
- Market Advisory Issued: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) released its daily pre-market advisory on June 4, 2026, aimed at providing investors with insights before trading begins, thereby enabling more informed trading decisions.
- IPO Celebration: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining (NYSE:SSMR) celebrated its initial public offering (IPO) on the same day, marking a significant milestone for the company in the capital markets and likely attracting increased investor interest.
- Closing Bell Ceremony: Room to Grow rang the NYSE Closing Bell at the end of the trading day, symbolizing its active participation in the market, which may enhance its brand visibility and market influence.
- Market Insights Access: Investors can download the NYSE TV App to access daily market dynamics and IPO activities, further enhancing their engagement and information acquisition in the market.
See More
Alberta to Launch Regulated Sports Betting and iGaming on July 13
- Market Access Regulation: Alberta will officially launch regulated sports betting and iGaming on July 13, becoming the second Canadian province after Ontario to implement such policies, which is expected to attract a significant number of players and investors.
- Regulatory Framework Inspired by Ontario: The newly established Alberta iGaming Corporation will oversee regulation and licensing, closely modeling Ontario's successful open-market structure to ensure fair competition and transparency in the market.
- Surge in Applications: The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission has received approximately 35 applications, with major brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars vying to go live on opening day, indicating strong market demand and competition.
- Revenue Distribution Mechanism: Licensed operators will pay 20% of gross gaming revenue to the provincial government, with 2% allocated to First Nations initiatives and 1% to responsible gambling programs, which is expected to generate substantial fiscal revenue for the province.
See More
Meridian Holdings Partners with MaxBet for Strategic Distribution
- Strategic Partnership: Meridian Holdings' subsidiary Expanse Studios has signed a strategic distribution agreement with MaxBet, a leading omni-channel gaming operator in Serbia, aiming to expand its gaming portfolio's reach in the Serbian market through MaxBet's established infrastructure, thereby enhancing market share and revenue potential.
- Market Potential: According to Statista, Serbia's online gambling revenue is projected to grow to $186 million by 2029, with MaxBet holding an estimated 15%-20% online market share, making this partnership poised to significantly boost Expanse's revenue generation capabilities.
- Global Expansion: Expanse Studios currently boasts over 1,500 B2B operator partnerships and a portfolio of more than 70 proprietary titles, and through collaboration with MaxBet, it further strengthens its distribution infrastructure in regulated markets, driving B2B growth.
- Industry Leadership: This partnership not only provides Expanse Studios direct access to Flutter Entertainment's global resources but also underscores the company's commitment to driving business growth through quality distribution and scalable partnerships in the rapidly expanding Southeast European market.
See More
Meridian Holdings Signs Strategic Agreement with MaxBet
- Strategic Partnership: Meridian Holdings' subsidiary Expanse Studios has signed a strategic distribution agreement with Serbia's leading omni-channel gaming operator MaxBet, aiming to expand its proprietary gaming portfolio's reach in the Serbian market through MaxBet's established infrastructure.
- Market Potential: According to Statista, Serbia's online gambling revenue is projected to grow to $186 million by 2029, with MaxBet holding an estimated 15%-20% online market share, presenting significant revenue generation opportunities for both parties.
- Global Expansion: Expanse Studios currently boasts over 1,500 B2B operator partnerships worldwide, with more than 70 proprietary titles live in various regulated markets, further solidifying its position as a compliant gaming content provider.
- Growth Strategy: Expanse Studios CEO Damjan Stamenkovic stated that this collaboration will provide direct access to Flutter's global scale, driving B2B growth and emphasizing the importance of scalable partnerships with market-leading operators.
See More
FanDuelCasino Launches Summer Generosity Campaign
- New Game Launch: FanDuelCasino has introduced a new slot game, Love Island: Unlocked, in collaboration with ITV Studios, featuring a unique Select-A-Character mode that enhances player engagement and interaction, making the gaming experience more immersive.
- Market Expansion: The game is now available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Michigan, and Ontario, indicating FanDuelCasino's deeper penetration into the North American market, which is expected to attract a younger demographic of players.
- Summer Campaign: Throughout June, FanDuelCasino will offer free reward box drops and a $500,000 prize pool, including a luxury trip for two to Fiji, aimed at attracting new users and enhancing engagement among existing customers through exciting rewards.
- Strengthened Brand Partnership: The exclusive collaboration between FanDuelCasino and Love Island will continue to deepen, with plans for more exciting activities and surprises throughout the summer, aimed at increasing brand loyalty and expanding market influence.
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