Sportsbooks say World Cup betting has surged past expectations, with US hype driving action‎

Sportsbook operators anticipated this year's World Cup would set betting records because the major elements were aligned. “I think it has exceeded our expectations,” said Mark Bickerdike, Caesars Sportsbook's head of soccer trading, said of the money being bet. DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello said the wagering on the 48-team World Cup, which opened the knockout stage on Sunday, is putting itself in the same company as the always popular NCAA Tournament in college basketball.