Brazil Betting Sites Break Records
In the midst of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Brazilian betting fans have broken worldwide records via online sportsbooks. The World Cup is one of the most popular sporting events in the world and attracts global viewers as well as significant sums of revenue. It is also, of course, a favorite tournament for betting enthusiasts and occasional bettors.
Brazil leads both in the tournament odds and in betting rates as the World Cup kicks off in Qatar 2022. Karsten Winegeart/Unsplash
Increased bets around the world
In terms of worldwide sporting events, the World Cup — organized by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) — is rivaled only by the Olympics in its scope and popularity. That means it is prime for people who want to make bets on its many exciting matches, which are held this year in Qatar.
Though the games typically are held throughout June and July, Qatar’s high temperatures meant the tournament had to be planned instead for cooler, winter months. Though it is a slightly different atmosphere than some are used to for watching the games, its popularity persists.
Bookmakers in Latin America have been ready to meet demands for taking bets throughout the tournament. The group Gaming Intelligence gathered data to produce a report on the movements of betting throughout LATAM as a result of the soccer tournament. In Colombia, it is reported that revenue has increased by 2.3%. Argentina also had good revenue results.
Brazil takes the cake however, as they may well do during the tournament as the current favorites to win. In Brazil, betting sites have received nearly 114 million visits since the World Cup began. This continues an upward trend in sports betting sites in the South American country as more and more countries move to regulate sports betting, including Brazil.
Since last November, visits to these sites have increased by 34%. The site with the most visits so far is Bet365, which received 93 million visits or 14% of the market impact. Bet365 is based in the UK but also offers their services in Brazil.
Other sites have gained favor by offering special deals in regards to the tournament. For example, Casa de Apostas has a special rate in case Brazil’s national team wins. Its rate stands out as significantly higher than competitor sites.
Latin Americans are definitely not the only ones getting in on the action. It is reported that English and Welsh fans will spend up to $312 million USD during the course of the games. This means that betting spending during Qatar 2022 will likely far outweigh spending during 2018’s games in Russia.
Strong chances for Brazil’s Casemiro
Part of Brazil’s exceeding interest in Qatar 2022 may well be due to its stakes in the games this year. Brazil was the favorite entering into the tournament and has remained so now that all countries have played at least one game. Bet MGM gives them odds of +250, with England, France and Spain tied for second through fourth at +650.
Brazil took an early win, 2-0, against Serbia at the start of the games. Their next match is with Switzerland on Nov. 28, to be followed by one with Cameroon on Dec. 2. Unfortunately they have lost a key player to an ankle injury, Neymar. Still, ESPN says they “almost pity” Casemiro’s rivals in this year’s tournament.
