(With files by Brendan Pawliw-MyPGNow)
BC gamblers are quite optimistic about Canada’s chances during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off this weekend.
According to the BC Lottery Corporation, 82% of bets on Playnow.com are on Canada to win Group F outright despite having second-ranked Belgium in the same pool.
Spokesperson, Matt Lee told Vista Radio they anticipate this will be the most popular World Cup in terms of money bet, with the Canadians making the world stage for the first time in 36 years.
“We are seeing 99% of bets on Playnow.com on Canada advance past the group stage, towards the knockout stage for the first time ever and this despite some very stiff competition with Belgium in their group.”
Lee certainly expects a fever pitch when it comes to wagering activity.
“We do anticipate this to be the most popular World Cup in terms of betting on PlayNow.com in history. It’s a really exciting time to be with PlayNow.com because of the fact we are seeing so much excitement with Canada playing in this year’s tournament.”
In fact, 33% of bets are on Canada winning the World Cup tournament.
Other betting favourites include Argentina with 9 percent of the bets, Brazil with 6% of the wagers along with France who has 5% of bets.
Canada’s first game is against Belgium, which takes place on the 23rd.
In terms of predicting the final, Brazil vs France is getting the highest percentage of bets at 18%.
This is followed by Argentina vs. France (7% of the bets) and Argentina vs. Portugal (5% of all wagers).