Argentina sees surge in online sports betting after World Cup

Following the 2026 World Cup, online sports betting has seen a significant surge in Argentina. A national survey conducted after the tournament indicates that 29% of adults participated in some form of betting, with 14% wagering actual money.

The impact is most pronounced among young adults aged 18 to 29, where 47% participated in betting activities and 28% wagered money. For many, the tournament served as an entry point into gambling; 28% of respondents were first-time bettors, and another 28% previously considered betting to be an exceptional occurrence.

Motivations for betting include curiosity, the desire to win money, and social interaction with friends or family. Concerns regarding the long-term effects are rising, as inquiries related to compulsive gambling in Argentina increased by 27% in 2025.