Young Adults Face Higher Betting Fraud Risk Ahead of World Cup, Study Finds

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Young adults account for a significant share of sports betting activity during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to new research, which also found that younger users face a higher risk of betting-related fraud.

The survey found that 47% of consumers aged 18 to 28 planned to place bets during the tournament, compared with 31% of respondents overall. Interest was also strongest among younger adults, who were more likely than older age groups to use sports betting platforms during the competition.

TransUnion's research also emphasized fraud concerns. One in eight of the survey respondents aged 18 to 28 said they had previously been targeted by betting-related fraud schemes ahead of the tournament.

TransUnion has warned that major sporting events such as the World Cup create opportunities for fraudsters to target new and inexperienced bettors, as many of them neglect to verify the legitimacy of the provider or suspiciously generous promotions. 

Separate research found that consumers had encountered fake betting websites, fraudulent promotions, and betting-related scams linked to the World Cup.

The increase in betting activity has also drawn attention from regulators. In France, for example, gambling regulator ANJ recently launched a public awareness campaign after survey data showed younger adults were the most likely demographic to place bets during the tournament. The regulator said it expects betting volumes to rise significantly compared with previous World Cups.

South Korean officials have also introduced a reward system for tips to encourage the public and industry participants to report illegal betting sites targeting the country's residents.