Coinbase eyes World Cup boost as prediction markets surge: Bernstein
Bernstein says the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be a major catalyst for prediction markets and online sports betting. With 104 matches and an estimated 6 billion viewers, the tournament is expected to add more than $3 billion in sports betting handle and $5 billion to $10 billion in prediction market volume during a typically slow season. Coinbase is positioned to benefit most, having already surpassed $100 million in annualized prediction market revenue after launching its product and partnering with Kalshi to offer event contracts nationwide. Robinhood is also expected to gain as it launches its own CFTC-licensed prediction market exchange, with Bernstein forecasting about $586 million in 2026 revenue from that business. Sports are becoming the main growth driver for prediction markets, which have grown rapidly and are retaining users beyond election cycles. The CFTC also recently signaled a more permissive stance toward sports-related event contracts.
