According to Paysafe data, there will likely be a spike in casual and new betting during the 2026 World Cup. How well operators can keep those people once the event is over will be their biggest issue.
19% of consumers worldwide who are interested in watching this summer's World Cup in Canada, the US, and Mexico intend to make their first online wager during the soccer competition, according to the study.
19% Want to Place Their First Bet
According to Paysafe's analysis, "All the Ways Players Pay: World Cup 2026," 60% of World Cup fans worldwide intend to wager online, which presents a significant chance for online sportsbooks to make money.
62% of Americans who live in states where sports betting is permitted plan to place a wager, with 29% making their first wager. With 68% of Mexicans likely to gamble, including 26% for the first time, the increase is predicted to be much more significant. According to a Paysafe statement, 46% of Canadians in Ontario anticipate betting, with 9% being novices.
Globally, there is a similar level of interest, particularly in the freshly legalized markets of Brazil (66% intend to wager) and, most importantly, Peru (85%). In developed European nations like the UK (60%) and Italy (64%), appetite is likewise high.
It's clear that the payments platform is concentrating on the necessity for operators to provide quick payouts and flexible, dependable payment stacks so sportsbooks can profit in the long run from all the betting excitement. According to their research, brand trust is the most important element (prioritized by 38%), followed closely by quick payouts (a consideration for 33%).
Get Rid of Bonuses
There has been a shift away from the first-time "extravagant" sign-up bonuses that the industry has been accustomed to, according to Phill Gray, a former head of trade operations at Sports Interaction and an industry sports betting consultant.
“Fraud and abuse continues to be an issue, so books are focusing on retention more than ever for FTD’s (first-time deposit),” said Gray. “Branding across channels (social media and devices) drive conversion. The real key is ‘frictionless onboarding’. An easy, obstacle-free path from first click to first deposit.”
Converting Bettors in Sports to Casinos
He said, "Free chips with your first bet," "free bet offers on first win," and even "get your money back if a certain bet loses" are just a few examples of how digital gaming companies are still actively trying to get gamers to play casino games from the outset.
"Terms and conditions as well need to be transparent and clear for first-time visitors,” said Gray. “This goes not only to listed rules that are front and center on offers, but as well having quick and easy responses from a qualified customer service agent.”
"Having instant withdrawals as well proves to improve retention by at least 25%," Gray continued. Another important element is that there must be ongoing interaction with new users after an event, like the World Cup, concludes. This includes promotions and natural encouragement to attend additional events that the consumer would find interesting, depending on their region and sports inclinations.