2026 World Cup Betting Generates $5 Billion Trade and Raises Responsible‑Gambling Concerns

More than $5 billion has been wagered on the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the Polymarket international exchange and the U.S.-regulated Kalshi platform, according to Bloomberg analysis of Dune Analytics data. The surge has produced multimillion‑dollar winners and notable losses, including a single bet that cost a user nearly $13 million.

Behavioral experts warned that the expanded 48‑team tournament creates unprecedented betting opportunities and urged bettors to treat gambling as entertainment, not income. Mark Griffiths, a professor of behavioral addiction, said, “You have a budget, and you stick to that budget.” Alex De Marco added, “If you win, send that gambling money right back to your grocery fund.” They emphasized avoiding borrowing to fund wagers and staying aware of emotional betting pitfalls such as overconfidence and the gambler’s fallacy.

The advice aims to prevent the booming betting market from causing financial harm as fans across the United States engage with the historic tournament.