The second week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought notable changes to global betting demand, with a wider distribution of market activity compared to the tournament's initial phase. Latin America maintained its strong position, with three out of the top five gainers, while Japan emerged as an unexpected contender atop this list, influenced by regulatory changes and increased interest in betting on games. Conversely, much of the decline in betting activity was primarily attributed to the normalization following the NBA playoffs in the U.S. and rigorous government efforts to enforce regulations in both regulated and grey markets.
Top 5 Gainers of the Week
US-Arizona (+71.4%)
Arizona's well-structured sports betting market saw a surge in activity, particularly due to interest generated by the World Cup. The U.S. Men's National Team's defeat of Paraguay 4-1 on June 12 significantly spiked betting-related searches throughout the week, as multiple matches took place daily, keeping the momentum alive.
Japan (+62.7%)
On June 15, Bitbank, a cryptocurrency exchange, froze accounts associated with the prediction market Polymarket due to concerns about possible violations of Japanese gambling regulations. This led to a considerable media discussion about the legality of sports betting in Japan.
Bolivia (+56.6%)
Despite not competing in the 2026 tournament, Bolivia continues to be a leading market for football betting. Sports betting remains the predominant form of gambling in the country, with customers often using offshore operators to place bets on international football events.
Costa Rica (+54.4%)
Even without a spot in the World Cup, Costa Rica has developed into a significant market for sports betting, particularly in football. The country is also witnessing increased debate surrounding Bill 25.600, reflecting growing interest in sports wagering.
Peru (+34.4%)
For another consecutive week, South American nations appeared prominently, following an earlier reported increase of 85% in betting activity.
Top 5 Decliners of the Week
US-South Carolina (-37.5%)
In states like South Carolina, where regulated sports betting is not available, interest in betting initially surged with the excitement of the World Cup but plummeted after the NBA finals concluded on June 13.
Turkey (-24.1%)
This week, Turkish authorities launched a large-scale crackdown on illegal gambling, involving 34 agencies across several provinces targeting operations linked to more than $103.7 million in suspicious transactions and resulting in 293 arrests.
US-New York (-18%)
Despite being home to one of the world’s largest regulated sports betting markets, New York's market took a downturn as sportsbooks recorded their first weekly losses attributed to the NBA regulation. As a result, operators reduced spending on promotions and advertising, even as interest remained high due to the ongoing World Cup.
Montenegro (-12.7%)
Montenegro’s decline can be traced to legal troubles, as charges were filed against an operator for using unapproved betting terminals. This contributes to over 450 online gambling sites being banned since June 25, 2025.
Switzerland (-10%)
On June 11, Swiss authorities intensified efforts to identify unauthorized gambling websites, leading to increased actions to block these sites via local internet service providers.
Market Spotlight: US – Arizona (+71.4%)
Arizona showed the highest surge in betting demand among regulated U.S. markets, driven by a favorable overlap of significant sporting events. The increase began right after the New York Knicks won the NBA championship and the USMNT secured a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener. Rather than diminishing interest in each sport, these events enhanced overall engagement among bettors. Arizona's 14 licensed sportsbooks were well-prepared, having already established extensive wagering options for the World Cup, which facilitated a seamless shift from basketball as the season concluded.
This growth in Arizona illustrates the capability of regulated betting markets to effectively transfer interest from one sports event to another, especially when operators have the requisite technology to support this transition.
