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World Cup Provides a $35 Billion Betting Boon for Bookmakers

  • Kickoff times in Qatar benefit European market, Barclays says
  • Tied matches also seen boosting bookmakers as fans bet on wins
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting of Cameroon scores their team's third goal past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of Serbia during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar on Nov. 28.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting of Cameroon scores their team's third goal past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of Serbia during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar on Nov. 28.

Photographer: Stu Forster/Getty Images
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A total of $35 billion will be wagered on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a 65% increase on the previous edition after a surge in online gambling during the pandemic, according to Barclays Plc analysts.

The analysts expect the jump in betting to boost profits of Ladbrokes parent Entain Plc, which Barclays says has more World Cup exposure than Paddy Power owner Flutter Entertainment Plc, thanks to the former’s strong presence in both Europe and Latin America.