Jamaica's sports betting sector is experiencing a sharp increase in wagering activity during the opening weeks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the country's two largest sportsbook operators reporting growth in both customer acquisition and betting volumes.
Island Bet CEO Adam Epstein said the operator has recorded a 200% increase in new customers since the tournament began, while Supreme Ventures Gaming Limited CEO Stefan Miller said betting activity during the first eight days of the competition was 40% higher than during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The growth comes as the 2026 tournament introduces a 48-team format for the first time, expanding the competition from 64 to 104 matches.
The larger field has increased the number of betting markets available to sportsbooks while also generating interest in nations making rare or first-time World Cup appearances.
Both operators reported strong engagement from customers backing traditional football powers such as Brazil, Spain, France, England and Portugal.
However, early tournament surprises have also attracted betting interest. Cabo Verde's draw against Spain generated significant attention among Jamaican bettors, with Island Bet reporting that one customer won J$1.2m ($7,600) after correctly predicting the result.
Epstein said the largest individual wager he has seen during the tournament stands at approximately J$250,000, though he expects larger bets as the competition reaches the knockout rounds and outright winner markets become more active.
Meanwhile, Supreme Ventures said average customer spend has increased by around 20% compared with the previous World Cup.
Miller attributed part of the growth to the continued expansion of online betting channels, alongside sustained demand across the operator's retail network.
The figures reflect broader growth trends within the global sports betting sector, where football remains the largest wagering product by volume.
Operators across multiple jurisdictions have increasingly focused on major international tournaments as opportunities to attract casual bettors who may only engage with sportsbooks during high-profile sporting events.
In Jamaica, sports betting continues to operate under the oversight of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, with both retail and online channels playing a growing role in customer participation.
In April 2026, the country's Senate approved casino gaming regulations designed to support future integrated resort developments, establishing licensing, compliance and player protection requirements as part of a broader effort to expand the nation's regulated gaming framework.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July across Canada, Mexico and the United States, making it the largest tournament in the competition's history
