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Sportsbooks say World Cup betting has surged past expectations, with US hype driving action
By MARK ANDERSON, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sportsbook operators anticipated this year's World Cup would set betting records because the major elements were aligned. The world's most popular sporting event is being played in North America, so U.S. audiences can see the games live while the sun is out or in the early evenin...
Key takeaway The world's most popular sporting event is being played in North America, so U.
Why this matters in The McAllen
The surge in World Cup betting is likely to have a ripple effect in the Rio Grande Valley, where soccer is a highly popular sport. As the US team competes in the tournament, local sports bars and restaurants in McAllen may see an increase in patrons gathering to watch the games and place bets. This could be a boon for local businesses, particularly those that offer sports betting services or promotions. The fact that the games are being played at convenient times for US audiences will likely contribute to the excitement, with many Valley residents able to watch the matches live after work or school. As the tournament progresses, it will be worth watching how local businesses capitalize on the hype and whether the surge in betting activity translates to increased economic activity in the area.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: library ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sportsbook operators anticipated this year's World Cup would set betting records because the major elements were aligned. The world's most popular sporting event is being played in North America, so U.S. audiences can see the games live while the sun is out or in the early evenin...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by MARK ANDERSON, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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