Betting Fraud During the FIFA World Cup Likely to Run Rampant According to Newly Released Survey

Friday morning, June 5, SEON published new research on consumer betting plans and habits ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The survey, which polled nearly 600 consumers, highlights how major sporting events can create new fraud and security challenges for betting operators, prediction markets, and consumers alike.

Key findings include:

Consumers are betting despite security concerns: 43% of respondents are at least somewhat likely to bet on World Cup matches, while 45% are not confident betting platforms can protect their personal and financial information during a high-traffic event.

Prediction markets are gaining ground: Licensed betting apps are the top choice (29%), but prediction markets rank second (19%), ahead of social casinos (17%), crypto-based platforms (8%), and offshore sites (8%).

Account abuse remains common: 22% admit to creating multiple betting accounts to access promotions, 20% have clicked betting links from social media or messaging apps, and 17% have used a friend or family member's betting account.

Millennials show the highest risk exposure: 65% are at least somewhat likely to bet on World Cup matches and are the most likely generation to create multiple accounts for promotions (38%), share personal information for betting promotions (29%), and use prediction markets (36%).

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