The conclusion of the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup not only ignited excitement on the field but also triggered noteworthy movements in the global market, particularly driven by regulatory changes. In the past week, Europe emerged as a key player, with significant government actions and industry restructuring, leading to the largest market increases overall.
**Top 5 Gainers of the Week**
**Hungary (+37.5%)**
Hungary topped the weekly gains with a significant increase. This was primarily due to intensified regulatory scrutiny concerning the casino industry. A pivotal moment occurred on June 18 when Transport Minister Vítezy Dávid announced an official review of casino concessions awarded by the previous administration, many of which will remain in effect until 2061.
**Latvia (+23.9%)**
Latvia's growth was propelled by two major structural shifts in its market. The most notable was the acquisition of Entain's Baltic operations (EnLabs) for €960 million by the FDJ Group, which dramatically altered the competitive landscape in Latvia. Additionally, the entry of 7bet, a Lithuanian sports operator, further contributed to this rise as it established its operations there along with a new platform.
**Uzbekistan (+18.4%)**
Uzbekistan continued to gain from its involvement in the World Cup, despite lacking licensed domestic operators for online sports betting. Local bettors engaged heavily with wagers on World Cup matches involving Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in a surge in search queries for offshore sportsbooks.
**US-Illinois (+17.3%)**
After experiencing a decline in the previous week, Illinois bounced back onto the list of gainers due to sustained strong betting activity related to the World Cup.
**Costa Rica (+16.9%)**
Costa Rica also recorded another week of gains. This rise can be attributed mainly to ongoing discussions surrounding Legislative File 25.600, which aims to establish the country's first dedicated gambling licensing authority, addressing a burgeoning unregulated gaming sector.
**Top 5 Decliners of the Week**
**Algeria (-24.3%)**
Algeria witnessed a significant drop of 24.3% in betting interest. This decline was characterized as an 'event cooldown' following the national team’s victories against Jordan and a draw with Austria, moving betting activity back to lower levels after a previous surge.
**Malaysia (-22.6%)**
The betting interest in Malaysia decreased by 22.6%, driven by heightened policing and enforcement efforts. The Royal Malaysia Police have sustained their nationwide operations through Op Soga XI.
**France (-20.2%)**
France's betting activity fell by 20.2%, as victories for the national team did not stimulate a significant increase in betting. The matches featured large point spreads, which limited uncertainty about the outcomes, consequently curbing betting interest.
**Bolivia (-20.1%)**
Bolivia followed a similar trend with a 20.1% decline in betting activity. This reduction comes despite the ongoing popularity of the World Cup among Bolivian bettors, highlighting a return to normalcy after last week's unprecedented increase of 56.6%.
**Dominican Republic (-19.9%)**
On June 24, the Dominican Senate initiated a comprehensive gambling reform bill, slated to be introduced at the end of the session. This bill encompasses new licensing and product advertising regulations and compliance requirements, aiming to oversee more than 71,000 lottery and betting outlets. The uncertainty surrounding compliance has diminished short-term demand for the services these companies provide.
**Market Spotlight: Hungary (+37.5%)**
Hungary’s notable gain stems from a growing focus on gambling regulations within the political landscape. Notably, the upturn began with the government’s request for a review of casino concessions awarded previously. Coverage of this inquiry highlighted its significant fiscal implications, particularly concerning the tax obligations of the country’s largest concession owner.
