The 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to generate $593 billion in betting, with a staggering 69% of this amount, approximately $409 billion, flowing through unregulated channels, according to Ismail Vali, president of Gaming Compliance International. This highlights a significant challenge for regulators as illegal gambling continues to dominate the market. Vali notes that the World Cup, alongside events like the Super Bowl, significantly alters betting landscapes, with unregulated gambling now accounting for $5.9 trillion annually worldwide. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico, hosting the tournament, face unique challenges with varying legal frameworks, exacerbating the shift towards illicit betting. The rise of illegal streaming and prediction markets further complicates the landscape, with unregulated platforms exploiting these avenues to attract bettors. Vali warns that the World Cup's betting frenzy will primarily benefit crime and unregulated gambling sectors, overshadowing regulated markets.