Jumio’s 2026 Online Identity Study shows how the World Cup is driving a surge in online sports betting, while raising alarms in Singapore about minors using these platforms.
The survey covered over 8,000 adults across the U.S., U.K., Singapore, and Mexico, with Singaporeans expressing the highest level of concern.
According to the study, 76% of Singaporean consumers worry about minors accessing betting apps during the tournament. At the same time, 82% believe betting platforms and their tech providers should take responsibility for preventing underage gambling. Only 4% disagree.
Globally, nearly one in three adults plans to bet during the World Cup. Mexico leads at 43%, followed by the U.K. (33%), Singapore (29%), and the U.S. (26%).
For many fans, betting is part of the fun, 48% say it makes the tournament more enjoyable. But the influx of new users is significant, with 19% worldwide (and in Singapore) interacting with an online gaming platform for the first time.
The report also highlights platform pressures. While 43% of users already have accounts, 37% expect to juggle multiple platforms. In Singapore, that number is lower at 27%. This activity puts added strain on operators to manage onboarding and verification smoothly.
Jumio stresses that identity and age verification should be treated as core safeguards, not just compliance checks. As betting becomes more mainstream, operators face the challenge of balancing user convenience with protecting minors.
For more data and insights, check out Jumio’s 2026 Online Identity Study here.
