SOFTSWISS has reported a threefold increase in betting activity on its Sportsbook platform during the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting the tournament’s impact on player engagement and betting volumes.
The company said the event drove significant changes in betting behavior, with more casino players participating in sports betting and pre-match wagering taking a larger share of activity than usual.
Pre-Match Betting Gains Momentum
Under normal conditions, around 80% of betting activity on the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook comes from live betting, with pre-match wagers accounting for the remaining 20%.
During the World Cup, pre-match betting increased to 57% of total turnover and delivered margins approximately 20% higher than live betting. Live betting, however, continued to generate higher average stake sizes.
Casino Players Enter Sports Betting
The tournament also attracted new sportsbook users, with up to 20% of players who typically play casino games placing their first sports bet during the competition.
The Spain vs. Argentina final generated the highest betting volume and player participation of the tournament, with nearly 70% of wagers placed before kickoff. The third-place playoff also ranked among the event’s busiest matches.
Mobile Remains the Primary Channel
Mobile devices accounted for 85% of all bets placed during the tournament, while desktop represented 15%. Tablet usage remained minimal.
SOFTSWISS also found that promotional campaigns, including free bets, personalized offers, and player reactivation initiatives, helped operators maintain engagement throughout the tournament rather than concentrating activity on the biggest fixtures.
Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of Operations at SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, said operators that prepared early through promotional planning, risk management, and platform optimization were best positioned to capitalize on the increased demand during the World Cup.
