Survey Finds 43% of Americans Plan to Bet on the World Cup, While 45% Don’t Trust Platforms with Their Data

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to begin on June 11, a new consumer survey from fraud prevention firm SEON finds that 43 percent of US adults who plan to watch the tournament say they are at least somewhat likely to place a bet on the matches. The survey, conducted online between May 22 and 25, 2026 among 588 US adults aged 18 and older, also reveals a significant gap between betting intent and consumer trust in the platforms involved.

Among those planning to wager, licensed betting apps ranked as the most popular platform choice at 29 percent, followed by prediction markets at 19 percent, social casinos at 17 percent, crypto-based platforms at 8 percent, and offshore sites at 8 percent. The data suggests that while most bettors are gravitating toward regulated options, prediction markets and social casino platforms are drawing meaningful portions of the anticipated World Cup wagering audience.

The Trust Problem

Despite strong betting intent, the SEON survey reveals a notable lack of confidence in the security of betting platforms. Forty-five percent of respondents said they are not confident that betting platforms can protect their personal and financial data during a high-traffic event like the World Cup. That near-equal split between those planning to bet and those skeptical of data security suggests many consumers are proceeding despite reservations rather than because they feel fully confident.

The survey also found that fraud-related concerns are already surfacing ahead of the tournament. Nearly a quarter of respondents — 24 percent — said they had already seen social media scams related to World Cup betting. One in five, or 20 percent, reported encountering fake ticket websites, and 18 percent said they had come across fake betting apps or websites impersonating legitimate platforms. The prevalence of these schemes ahead of the tournament’s start suggests the threat environment will intensify once play begins.

What the Numbers Mean for Bettors

The United States is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup for the first time in the country’s history, with 16 American cities serving as venues across the tournament’s expanded 48-team format. The US men’s national team is playing on home soil, which is expected to drive engagement well beyond what typical US soccer audiences produce during non-home World Cups. The combination of home-field interest, expanded legal betting access, and digital-first sports media consumption creates the conditions for a record US wagering event.

For bettors getting involved, sticking to licensed sportsbooks is the clearest way to avoid the fraud risks the SEON survey identified. The most established operators — FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and others — operate under state gaming commission oversight with verified security requirements. For those new to betting on the tournament, it is worth reviewing the available sportsbook promotions ahead of the June 11 start, as most major operators have launched World Cup-specific welcome offers and bonus bet programs for new and existing customers.

Several major sportsbooks have also introduced specific World Cup promotions tied to US team performance. BetMGM’s Goal Rush Grand Prize, for example, distributes $500,000 in bonus bets among eligible customers each time the US men’s national team scores. Meanwhile, prediction market platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket are facing ongoing legal challenges in multiple states that could limit their availability during the tournament, making licensed sportsbook options the more reliable choice for bettors who want to avoid disruption.