How to Bet on the World Cup: Sportsbooks vs. Prediction Markets

• Online sportsbooks are offering World Cup odds in more than 30 legal sports betting states
• Prediction markets are available throughout the country, as they’re regulated federally
• They can look very similar, but do have some differences

The World Cup has already had its fair share of high drama, and with three of the game’s biggest superstars set to play today in Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi, that figures to continue.

No matter where you are in the US, you can get in on the action, either with a legal online sportsbook or prediction market.

Both are good ways to put money on World Cup matches, but there are some differences to be aware of.

World Cup Betting: Sportsbooks vs. Prediction Markets, Where are They Legal?

The biggest difference between sportsbooks and prediction markets is how they are regulated. Sportsbooks are regulated at the state level, while prediction markets are under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

While there are legal challenges in some states, that means prediction markets are available across the country. That means they can be used in states like Texas, California and Georgia.

Legal sports betting, meanwhile, is available in 33 states and Washington, D.C.

The best way to tell if you’re in a legal betting state or not is to look at the list right above this. If it shows sports betting apps, you are. If it shows you prediction markets, you aren’t. But, either way, you can claim a welcome bonus and start playing.

Why Use Prediction Markets for the World Cup?

If you are not in a legal betting state, prediction markets are going to be the only soccer betting apps you can use to win money with your picks and predictions.

They offer game lines, props and futures, just like you would see at an online sportsbook. Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are going to show you percentages for your picks instead of straight up odds. They will also show you a multiplier to indicate how much you’d win if you purchased a contract.

Which brings me to the second biggest difference, other than legal states. Prediction markets allow users to trade contracts on outcomes, not make bets. That’s why they’re regulated by the CFTC. It was originally sold as a stock market for sports, politics and basically anything else.

Your payouts are going to be about the same as a sportsbook. You will, however, always have the opportunity to sell your contract, or cash out. This is a key difference. Another key difference for bettors is that prediction markets might be new to you, meaning you can still claim a welcome offer.

World Cup Betting Apps: Online Sportsbooks

Online sportsbooks that I would put among the best World Cup betting apps do offer more betting options than their prediction market counterparts.

While you can’t be on off-field events at a legal sportsbook, the prop markets, alternative lines, futures options and more tend to be much deeper.

Legal sports betting apps also offer some familiarity to bettors. The name brands have been well known for years now, in legal states and beyond. That familiarity can be huge when you’re considering putting your money on the line.