Brazil is set for a surge in betting activity during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with new research showing that 60% of adults plan to place bets via digital platforms during the tournament.
The study, conducted by Creditas in collaboration with Opinion Box, surveyed 561 employed Brazilians and highlights the growing integration of betting into major sporting events.
Debt Levels Closely Linked to Betting Behaviour
The findings reveal a strong correlation between financial vulnerability and betting participation. Among respondents already in debt, 79% intend to bet during the World Cup, compared to 48% of those without debt.
Additionally, 20% of participants said they are willing to incur debt to engage with the tournament, while 47% expect their overall expenses to increase during the event. This suggests that financially pressured individuals are significantly more likely to participate in betting activities.
Younger Audiences Drive Spending and Betting Trends
Younger demographics are expected to play a major role in driving betting activity. The survey shows:
- 70% of 18–24-year-olds plan to participate in betting or pools
- 89% of younger respondents expect increased spending
- 30% are willing to take on debt during the tournament
These figures indicate a stronger appetite for both spending and betting among younger audiences compared to the general population.
Betting Increasingly Seen as a Source of Income
Notably, 30% of respondents view betting as an additional source of income. Within this group:
- 31% plan to use winnings to fund World Cup-related expenses
- 15% intend to use profits to repay existing debts
However, financial experts warn against this mindset, emphasizing that treating betting as income can lead to increased financial risk and deeper indebtedness.
Massive Scale of Brazil’s Betting Ecosystem
The study also highlights the scale of Brazil’s betting market, with around 25 million individual taxpayer IDs (CPFs) used for betting activity. On average, each CPF is linked to at least four betting accounts, pushing the total number of accounts beyond 100 million.
This reflects a highly active and fragmented betting landscape, particularly across digital platforms.
World Cup Spending Extends Beyond Betting
Beyond wagering, the World Cup is expected to drive significant consumer spending. Around 74% of respondents plan to spend money during the tournament, with 80% admitting these expenses may occur spontaneously.
Key spending categories include:
- Food and drinks (51%)
- Official merchandise (23%)
- Private events and watch parties (20%)
Only 26% of respondents said they do not plan to spend at all.
Financial Risks Rise Alongside Engagement
While the World Cup is set to boost engagement and economic activity, the data highlights growing concerns around financial behaviour. The combination of high betting participation, increased spending, and willingness to incur debt suggests elevated financial risk for certain segments of the population.
Balancing Excitement With Financial Responsibility
As Brazil prepares for one of the biggest sporting events globally, the challenge will be balancing entertainment with responsible financial habits. With betting deeply embedded in the World Cup experience, awareness around risk and responsible play is likely to become increasingly important.
