Summary of Key Points
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico (June 12–July 20) sparked enthusiasm among Chinese lottery players, leading to a significant increase in national lottery sales during June and July: the total sales for those two months amounted to 163.6 billion yuan, an increase of 57.1 billion yuan (over 50 billion yuan) compared to the same period last year. Sports lotteries accounted for 80% of the total sales, with the sales of lottery games involving predictions doubling or more. Offline lottery stores also saw a doubling of sales. The national lottery sales growth rate turned from negative to positive from January to July, but past experience indicates that sales may decline significantly in the year following the World Cup.
Detailed Analysis
1. The World Cup Boosts Lottery Sales: Over 50 Billion Yuan in Two Months, with Growing Momentum
In June, when the World Cup began, national lottery sales reached 75.978 billion yuan, a 39.5% increase from June last year. By July, when the tournament was at its peak, sales soared to 87.571 billion yuan, a 68.6% increase. The combined sales for the two months exceeded last year's total by 57.1 billion yuan. The Ministry of Finance stated that the main driving force was the World Cup, particularly lottery games involving predictions, meaning that nearly 40% of the total sales were attributed to the World Cup.
2. Sports Lotteries Take the Lead, with the Highest Growth
Sports lotteries generated a total of 131.2 billion yuan from June to July, accounting for about 80% of the national total, a 86% increase from the same period last year. Among these, lottery games that require predicting match outcomes, scores, and goal counts sold for 108.1 billion yuan, a 134% increase—more than doubling. The reason is simple: during the World Cup, people were eager to bet on their favorite teams, making these lottery games particularly popular.
3. Offline Stores See a Boom: Doubling of Sales is the Norm
An employee from a lottery store in Wuhan reported that their store's revenue tripled during the World Cup, and similar trends were observed in other cities, with some stores experiencing even greater increases. Many people prefer to buy lottery tickets in physical stores or consult staff for tips on making more accurate predictions. The festive atmosphere of the World Cup also led to a significant increase in customer traffic and sales.
4. National Lottery Sales Turn from Decline to Growth
In the first five months of this year, national lottery sales may have been declining, but the World Cup helped boost sales to 414.445 billion yuan from January to July, a 12.1% year-on-year increase, turning the trend from negative to positive. The World Cup acted as a catalyst, restoring the lottery industry to a healthy growth path.
5. The World Cup is a Short-Term Boost; Sales May Decline Next Year
It’s important to note that the surge in sales was temporary. Historical data shows that sales are particularly high during the World Cup (due to the large base), but they usually drop significantly in the year following the event. Therefore, this increase is a one-time phenomenon and not a long-term trend.
Overall, the World Cup gave the lottery industry a temporary boost, but the momentum is unlikely to sustain. Future performance will depend on regular sales trends. For lottery players, it’s best to enjoy the fun of buying lottery tickets without overinvesting.