Record betting on World Cup semi-final

French bettors placed 63 million euros on the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, a record for a single match since online sports betting became legal in France in 2010. This amount reflects a growing interest in sports betting among French fans.

Growing trend in sports betting

Nearly 41 % of adult French people planning to follow the World Cup intended to place bets, a five-point increase from the 2022 World Cup. Half of those following the tournament also planned to make predictions with friends or family, without wagering money.

Rise in online betting despite no major events

In 2025, French bettors placed 11.5 billion euros on sports events online, a 12 % increase from the previous year. This growth occurred despite no major international competitions like the Euros, World Cup, or Olympics on the calendar.

New Champions League format boosts betting

The new Champions League format, which features 36 teams in a single ranking, has increased the number of major European matches each autumn and winter. The French National Gambling Authority (ANJ) credits this format with a 48.6 % rise in bets on the tournament.

Most bettors place few wagers

During the 2026 World Cup, 44 % of bettors placed fewer than ten bets on the entire tournament. For many, the odds are more of an informational tool, similar to checking team lineups or injury reports, rather than a financial commitment.

Sports betting integrated into media

French football media now include sports betting odds in their match coverage. These odds reflect the likelihood of outcomes set by betting operators. Lower odds indicate a higher probability of an event occurring, and dividing 1 by the odds gives a percentage probability.

Odds change based on match developments

Betting odds often change in the hour before a match, especially when teams reveal their lineups. If a key player is injured or benched, operators can quickly adjust their odds. Fans can monitor these changes to gauge how significant an absence might be.

Live betting grows in popularity

In a typical year, about 40 % of the money wagered on sports in France comes from live betting, which occurs during matches. Odds are continuously updated based on events like goals, red cards, or injuries, and some platforms temporarily suspend betting after major events to adjust the odds.

Advertising and regulations during World Cup

Operators increased their advertising budgets by over 25 % for the 2026 World Cup. However, televised sports betting ads became a political issue, leading to agreements that prohibited gambling ads during FIFA-mandated cool-down breaks between halves.

Risks of paid betting advice

Before the World Cup, the ANJ and the DGCCRF warned fans about the risks of paid betting advice on social media. While many bettors lost money, sports betting remains popular, especially among young adults, with over half of those aged 18-34 intending to place bets.