BetMGM Chief Executive Officer Adam Greenblatt said the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is the most-bet tournament in the company's history, a record that is expected to boost third-quarter earnings for major US sports betting operators.
"The World Cup final has generated the highest betting volume we have ever seen for a single tournament," Greenblatt said. "This is a significant event for the entire US sports betting industry."
Argentina, the defending champion, has drawn 58 percent of bets and 59 percent of the handle at BetMGM despite entering as the underdog at +240 odds. Spain opened as the +125 favorite and has held steady at +130 across major sportsbooks including DraftKings and FanDuel. A draw after extra time, which would force a penalty shootout, is priced at +200.
The record handle comes as the US sports betting market matures, with legal wagering now active in more than 30 states. BetMGM, a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Entain Plc, competes directly with DraftKings Inc. and Flutter Entertainment Plc's FanDuel for market share. An Argentina victory could prove especially profitable for operators, as underdog outcomes typically generate higher margins for sportsbooks.
The guidance raise signals that management expects sports betting demand to accelerate into the second half of the year. Investors will watch the Q3 earnings reports from DraftKings, Flutter, and MGM Resorts for updated revenue and margin figures tied to World Cup-related wagering.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.