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FIFA-led analysis estimates that €136bn ($141bn) was staked globally during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but Flutter expects the upcoming edition to surpass such levels.
The operator noted that the overall total will ultimately depend on the performance of certain countries, but that its FanDuel and Sportsbet brands are set for greater customer engagement given the fact the USA and Australia will both play in the tournament.
USA lifting the trophy at 125/1 represents the operator’s biggest overall liability in the outright book, three times the amount of Argentina in second.
The group noted the importance of its Risk and Trading operation in this regard, in determining whether the event is a win or loss for Flutter, particularly as its customer base has become increasingly global and potential exposures have emerged in different markets.
A statement from Flutter read: “The unique timing, location and climate for this World Cup are among several key factors that the Risk and Trading team have considered when pricing each game as well as the favourite for the tournament, with the form and fitness of players already well into domestic football seasons also tracked.
“To do so, the team uses a sophisticated simulator that plays out the tournament thousands of times, predicting a unique winner based on several variables.”
Current favourites Brazil has been priced at 7/2 by Flutter to win the World Cup, with England captain Harry Kane favourite to win the Golden Boot at 15/2.
Flutter Entertainment Group Chief Trading Officer Dom Crosthwaite commented: “The World Cup is undoubtedly the biggest betting event of the year and everyone at Flutter shares the excitement of our customers as the tournament gets underway.
“Our UK and Ireland brands are set to manage over £300m in stakes, but we expect global customer interest considering the involvement of countries such as the USA, Australia, Spain and Brazil – all important markets to Flutter.”
