Over 20 million American adults plan to bet on World Cup games, with a total of $1.8 billion expected to be on the line for the tournament, according to the American Gaming Association’s inaugural survey on World Cup wagering. The survey also found the majority of World Cup bettors say it is important for them to place their bets legally.

Unlike other major events like the Super Bowl and March Madness that have significant casual betting components, including bracket or squares contests, the vast majority of people to bet on World Cup games plan to place traditional bets either online, with a bookie or at a physical sportsbook.

“As the first World Cup with widespread availability of legal sports betting, this will certainly be the most bet-upon soccer event ever in the U.S.,” said AGA Senior Vice President Casey Clark. “With more than half of all American adults having access to legal betting options in their home market, legal sports betting will deepen American fan engagement in the most-watched sporting event in the world.”

Morning Consult conducted the online survey on behalf of the AGA between November 3rd and 5th, 2022, among a national sample of over 2,200 adults. The data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment and region. The margin of error is +/-2 percent and greater among subgroups. Those who intent to bet on World Cup matches expect to place a bet online, with a bookie, with a casino sportsbook, in a pool or squares contest, or casually with family or friends.