Best World Cup Betting Offers, Bonuses, and Free Bets

The 2022 World Cup is upon us! The tournament will be held in Qatar and will be the first time the World Cup has been held in the Middle East. 

The most anticipated sporting event of the year is scheduled to take place from 21 November to 18 December 2022. This will also be the first World Cup to be held in winter due to the extreme heat in Qatar during summer.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is the biggest single-sport competition in the world and is expected to be watched by 5 billion people worldwide, far surpassing the record 3.5 billion who tuned in to the 2018 edition in Russia, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. 

This makes choosing the right bookmaker particularly daunting, as there are so many to choose from. This article will provide detailed information and tips on how and where you can place your bets for the World Cup 2022 and how to take advantage of the best bonuses and offers.

Betting Offers and Free Bets 2022

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As the 2022 World Cup approaches, many punters are looking for top tips on where to get the best betting offers and free bets. Betting odds for this edition of the World Cup are already out, and there are some clear favourites.

However, as we all know, anything can happen in the World Cup. A total of 32 teams will compete to ultimately be crowned world champions. Teams will be split into 8 groups of 4, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the knockout stage. The knockout stage will consist of the Round of 16, followed by the Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Final on December 18th.

Join us as we dive into everything you need to know about finding the best betting offers and bonuses at the top betting sites to place your bets.

World Cup 2022 Favourites & Betting Odds According to Bookies

France enters the competition as defending champions at +600, according to Caesar’s Sportsbook, with Brazil, Argentina and England being firm fan favourites to lift the coveted trophy and bring home the glory.

Brazil is the most accomplished team in World Cup history with 5 titles under their belt and tops the list of contenders at +400, followed by France (+600), Argentina (+650), England (+700), and Spain (+800).

Top 5 Favourites to Win the Cup

  1. Brazil (+400) - Knocked out in the quarter-final stage
  2. France (+600) - Through to the final
  3. Argentina (650) - Through to the final
  4. England (+700) - Knocked out in the quarter-final stage
  5. Spain (+800) - Knocked out in the round of 16 stage 

Quarter Finals Update:

In a shocking development, only France and Argentina remain in the tournament as favourites to win the Cup, with Brazil, Spain, England, and Portugal all eliminated from the competition. Morocco has amazed critics by defeating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, sending them straight to the semi-finals. Croatia, a team not to be underestimated, has eliminated the number 1 favourite to win, Brazil, from the tournament in a quarter-final match that stunned millions of fans worldwide. Will Croatia repeat their success from 2018? Can France successfully defend their title? Will Messi finally lead Argentina to a world cup victory, or will Morocco continue their impressive run and take home the trophy for the first time to the African Continent?

Semi-Finals Update:

Argentina is even closer to realising Messi's dream of lifting the cup for his home country with a 3-0 victory over Croatia, sending them through to the final on the 18th of December 2022. Argentina last made it to the final at the World Cup in 2014, ultimately losing to Germany. They have not won the tournament since Diego Maradona lifted the trophy for Argentina in 1986.

The Moroccan national soccer team's World Cup dreams were shattered as they lost 2-0 to France in a thrilling match. Morocco's passionate supporters were in attendance to cheer on their team, but France's efficiency and experience ultimately proved too much for the underdogs. This outcome sets up a final between France and Argentina, with Paris St Germain teammates, French forward Kylian Mbappé, and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi set to face off. For Messi, this is likely his last chance to win a World Cup as he seeks to add the trophy to his already impressive collection of honours, while Mbappe looks to add a second title to his record.

Below are the current odds to win according to our recommended sportsbooks:


Wallacebet Casino
Nucleon Bet
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Club Riches
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Argentina (Finalist)1.85
1.85
1.88
1.851.8553.76%
France (Finalist)1.85
1.85
1.83
2.041.8554.25%
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*Odds vary from provider to provider and are subject to change

Underdogs

Martin Green from SportsLine Soccer has predicted that the USA’s USMNT will win their group stage and move on to the next round at +100.

Unsurprisingly, Qatar trails more experienced nations with odds of +25000 of winning the most desired prize in Football. However, with home advantage and national pride at stake, it will be interesting to see how Qatar fairs in the tournament.

How to Pick the Best Betting Websites for 2022

Betting on the World Cup will be available at all major bookmakers. There will be a wide range of markets to bet on, including the tournament winner, the top goalscorer, the group stage winner, and more. However, when choosing a sports betting website, it is important to consider a few factors: 

Picking Betting Sites - Step 1: licensing and regulationStep 1: Licensing and Regulation

The first is whether the website is licensed and regulated in your country or jurisdiction. This ensures that the sports betting website follows strict rules and regulations to provide a safe and secure platform for depositing your money and placing your bets. 

Picking Betting Sites - Step 2: betting oddsStep 2: Betting Odds

The second is considering the odds the website offers. It may come as a surprise that not all bookmakers offer the same odds. It is important to get the best odds possible to maximize winnings. It is worth shopping around to compare odds at different websites.

Picking Betting Sites - Step 3: marketsStep 3: Markets

The third is checking the website's range of markets. Top bookmakers will have a wide range of markets to choose from to find the best bets. 

Picking Betting Sites - Step 4: customer supportStep 4: Customer Support

The fourth is to consider the customer support offered by the website. This is important in case there are any problems with using the website or placing bets. The website should offer live chat, email, and telephone support and resolve any issues as quickly as possible. 

Picking Betting Sites - Step 5 betting bonusesStep 5: Betting Bonuses

Once you have found some providers that meet the criteria above, it’s time to check what betting bonuses each has to offer to sweeten the pot. Many online bookmakers will provide an incentive or betting bonus to new punters joining the platform. With so many popular betting sites available, make sure to get the best offer you can, considering they meet all the criteria mentioned above. 

Popular Types of Betting Bonuses

So many sportsbooks are ferociously competing for punters' attention that they have to offer exciting sports betting bonuses in the form of free bets, sign-up bonuses, and more to get new customers in the door. Here are a few types of betting bonuses you can look out for. Bare in mind that most of the betting offers will be for new sign-ups, but there will be promotions for existing customers and VIPs alike.

  • Deposit Match Offers:  Betting sites will often match your first deposit, e.g., 100% of your first deposit up to X amount. Always check the requirements to qualify for the bonus and any wagering requirements to withdraw your funds.
  • Sign-up or Welcome Offers: In this case, you are given the incentive to sign up for a new account and will often be awarded free bets, deposit match offers, or cashback incentives. Each bookie will have its own terms, so read up on their terms and conditions before signing up.
  • Free Bets: No surprises here; the sportsbook will offer a certain amount in free bets. Before being able to withdraw any winnings, you will most likely need to wager a certain amount first before being able to access those funds.
  • Enhanced/ Boosted Bets: Enhanced odds are a type of promotion offered by sportsbooks where the odds of selecting certain betting markets are increased. This makes them more appealing to bettors, who may otherwise choose to bet with another sportsbook. They aren't always available so take advantage when you see them.
  • Early Payouts: Some bookmakers offer this by paying out early (your payout is secured regardless of what happens) if they deem a match as good as won. For example, some bookmakers may decide that if a team is 2 goals ahead, they will be the clear winners, but this can, of course, backfire on the bookies as it's entirely possible for a last-minute comeback to happen.
  • VIP & Loyalty Promos: Not all bonus offers and free bets are for new customers only. Bookies will ensure their existing clientele, particularly their loyal customers, are well taken care of with exciting promotions to keep them engaged. Keep an eye out for any communication highlighting World Cup 2022 promotions and bonus offers to take advantage of.

We've secured some exclusive World Cup 2022 betting offers, bonuses, and free bets for you to enjoy. Just browse our top list of recommended betting sites and pick your favourite to get started.

Where to Get the Best Betting Bonuses and Offers:

How to Claim Free Bets and Bonuses

Most online bookmakers offer free bet promotions and bonus offers where new customers can claim free bets after placing a qualifying bet. Just follow the steps outlined below to unlock your bonus.

  • Step 1: Browse our list of licensed betting sites and choose the offer that appeals to you.
  • Step 2: Click the Visit Site button to go to the betting website where you can sign up.
  • Step 3: Tap the Join Now/ Register button to create a new account and follow the registration process.
  • Step 4: Complete your details and upload a valid form of identification.
  • Step 5: Read the Terms and Conditions thoroughly and accept.
  • Step 6: Choose your preferred payment method and make a deposit.
  • Step 7: Look through available markets and qualifying bets to claim your free bets/ bonuses. Make sure to follow the promotion instructions to qualify.

Now you’re ready to get to the exciting part, choosing your markets and placing your bets. 

How to Bet on the 2022 World Cup

Before diving in and placing your bets, it’s worth taking some time to understand how betting on the 2022 World Cup works and tips on getting the most out of your bets.

What Are Betting Markets Exactly?

A betting market is a specific outcome of an event that bookmakers use to guide you on what decision to make when placing a bet on a particular sport. The betting markets can be accessed at any online sportsbook or physical betting shop. 

Multiple betting markets are available per match, with bookmakers offering as many as 1500 bet types per event. It is up to the bettor to do adequate research on their choices and decide which betting market has the greatest likelihood of occurring. 

To pick the right market, you should consider the odds, the number of variables, and your level of knowledge about the sport. 

Some popular football betting markets include outrights (predicting the team that will win the tournament), over/under markets (predicting the number of goals that will be scored), Asian handicap (a market where one side of the game has a predetermined advantage), and accumulator betting (a market where multiple selections are compiled into a single bet). 

The most popular and simplest wager in sports betting is a Moneyline Bet, just betting on "Odds to Win". More examples of popular betting markets for the 2022 World cup:

  1. Winner of the tournament
  2. Top goalscorer
  3. Group stage winner
  4. Knockout stage winner
  5. Final score
  6. First goalscorer
  7. Player of the tournament
  8. Golden Boot winner
  9. Young Player of the tournament
  10. Team to receive the most yellow cards

How Do Betting Odds Work?

Betting odds are the chances of an event occurring, as determined by the bookmaker. The odds are usually expressed as a fraction, such as 1/2 or 2/1. 

The odds of an event happening are usually based on historical data and the current form of the teams or players involved. For example, the odds of Brazil winning the World Cup 2022 would be higher than that of Qatar winning the World Cup 2022. Bookmakers will advertise different odds so be sure to do your research first.

When betting on an event, punters usually see two types of odds: decimal and fractional. Decimal odds are usually used in Europe and Australia, while fractional odds are used in the UK. 

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are calculated by dividing the amount won by the stake. For example, if the fractional odds of an event are 2/1, the punter would receive $2 back for every $1 bet if the event they bet on occurred.

A simple formula to use to calculate a potential payout is as follows:

  • Total Payout = (initial bet(fractional odds) + initial bet)
  • Looking at the current odds for Brazil, payouts could look like this:
  • Brazil is currently trading at 4/1. Let's assume you are betting $100 on Brazil to win the tournament.
  • 100*(4/1)+$100 = $500 ($400 payout plus 100% initial bet)

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are calculated by adding 1 to the fractional odds. For example, if the fractional odds of France winning are 6/1, the decimal odds would be 7.00 (1+(6/1)). This means that for every $1 bet, the punter would receive $7 back if the event happened (the total payout of $6 plus the initial stake of $1)

Percentage Chance

The odds of an event happening can also be expressed as a percentage. This is known as the implied probability. The implied probability is calculated by dividing 100 by the decimal odds. For example, if the decimal odds of England winning are 8.00, the implied probability would be 12.5%. This means there is a 12.5% chance of England "Bringing It Home".

How to Choose a Market and Place a Bet

  • Step 1. Choose a bookmaker:  We've put together a list of the top recommended sportsbooks and offers to make this decision a bit easier for you.
  • Step 2. Choose a market: Next, decide on which markets to bet on. A wide range of markets are available for the World Cup, including Outrights, Over/Under, Asian Handicap, Both Teams to Score, Double Chance/ Draw No Bet and ACCA betting.
  • Step 3. Place a bet: The third step is to place a bet on the chosen market. This can be done online or in person at a betting shop. Connect your preferred payment provider to your betting account, claim any qualifying bonuses, and place your bets.
  • Step 5. Wait for the result: Lastly, wait for the result of the event. If the bet is successful, the bookmaker will pay out the winnings.

Most importantly, though, is just to have fun watching the tournament unfold! This is by far the most exciting sporting event of the year so make the most of it!

Tips for Placing Bets for the World Cup 2022

  • Do some research on the teams that are playing. Look at their recent performances and try to get a feel for how they might do in the World Cup. 
  • Pay attention to the odds. The odds can give you some insight into the public perception of a particular team or match-up. 
  • Consider the underdog. Sometimes the underdog can surprise everyone and come out on top with higher payouts.
  • Don't get too caught up in the hype. Remember that anything can happen in the World Cup, and don't let your emotions get in the way of your betting decisions. 
  • Be careful of putting too much money on one team or match. It's always best to spread your bets around so that you don't lose everything if one team doesn't perform as well as you'd hoped.
  • Keep track of the tournament. Many professional sports writers offer expert opinions on likely outcomes and current events that could impact results. Twitter and Instagram are fantastic platforms for getting real-time updates.

5 Tips to Bet Responsibly 

At CasinoTopsOnline we always encourage punters to bet responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose. Although it´s possible to win, there are no guarantees, and results are unpredictable. 

1. Learn the rules and odds. Educate yourself on the different markets, what the different odds mean, terms related to winnings, and research possible outcomes. 

2. Set time and budget limits. By setting strict times to bet and budget limits, you won't get tempted to get swept up in the excitement of sports betting and overextend yourself. This is critical to prevent unhealthy habits from developing. 

3. Don't chase your losses. Always keep in mind that betting is a game of chance. One of the biggest pitfalls when betting is the temptation to try to win back your losses. This is where you need to stick to your guns when it comes to the time and budget limits you set for yourself to keep a level head when making decisions. 

4. Don't play with money you don't have. Betting becomes incredibly dangerous and damaging when someone is tempted to play with money they don't have. Never borrow money or use money allocated for other expenses. 

5. Remember, it's for entertainment. At the end of the day, this is for entertainment purposes. It's exciting putting a wager on an outcome of an event but make sure that's all it is. Make your picks and have fun! 

If you feel that betting is impacting your life negatively or having trouble controlling your betting, you can find out how to manage your betting and find support on our page about responsible gambling.

Sports Betting for Android and IOS

Let's face it, as exciting as it is watching the games live from the comfort of your sofa, we still need to get on with our lives and operate in the real world. Thankfully the top sportsbooks have mobile versions available to take action with you wherever you go!

Below are the best mobile betting sites we can recommend for WC 2022:

💸 Best for Payout SpeedsWallace Bet
🎲 Best for BeginnersNucleon Bet
🔐 Best for SecuritySpinAway
💳 Best for Payment MethodsClub Riches
🍸 Best for VIP and LoyaltyHigh Roller
📱 Best for Mobile ResponsivenessLeo Vegas
🥇 Best for BonusesCasimba
⚽ Best for Low Wagering Requirements20Bet
📞 Best for SupportGG Bet
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Group Matches

Group stage matches will take place from the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador on the 20th of November all the way through to the 2nd of December where Cameroon faces off against odds favourite Brazil.

All group matches are listed below:

World Cup Group Stages

Read more: World Cup 2022 Teams, Groups, Fixtures, Stadiums, and more.


Teams That Have Qualified for the 2022 World Cup

A total of 32 teams qualify automatically as winners or runners-up of each of their respective continental championships. The host nation, Qatar, was drawn into Group A with Ecuador, Senegal and Netherlands. The tournament will kick off on Sunday, November 20th, with Qatar and Ecuador facing off in the opening match.

The following is a list of the teams competing in the 2022 World Cup and their respective groups.

GroupsCountry 1Country 2Country 3Country 4
Group A: QatarEcuadorSenegalNetherlands
Group B: EnglandIranUSAWales
Group C: ArgentinaSaudi ArabiaMexicoPoland
Group D: FranceAustraliaDenmarkTunisia
Group E: SpainCosta RicaGermanyJapan
Group F:BelgiumCanadaMoroccoCroatia
Group G: BrazilSerbiaSwitzerlandCameroon
Group H: PortugalGhanaUruguaySouth Korea
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Match Schedules

For the first time in the tournament's history, the cup will be held at the end of the year due to the extreme heat for fans attending the games in Qatar.
Below are the dates for each phase of the tournament:

Stage
Dates
World Cup Opening Match 
November 20
Round of 16 
December 3/6
Quarter-finals 
December 9/10
Semi-finals 
December 13/14
World Cup final
December 18
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Match Kick-Off Times

StageKick-Off Times (Local)Timezone
First two rounds of matches1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pmGMT+3
The final round of group games and knockout round matches6pm and 10pmGMT+3
The Final6pm GMT+3
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*The UK is 3 hours ahead; deduct 3 hours from the above times for local UK kick-off times

Tournament Format

The tournament is divided into 2 main phases, followed by the final and 3rd place final:

  • Phase 1 - Group Stages: All 32 teams are divided into 8 groups of 4 and will face each other, with 2 teams passing on to the next round.
  • Phase 2 - Knockout Rounds: This includes the quarter-finals, semi-finals and, of course, the World Cup final to crown the 2022 World Cup Champions.

World Cup Past Winners

  • 1966 - England (West Germany Runners Up)
  • 1970 - Brazil (Italy Runners Up) 
  • 1974 - West Germany (Netherlands Runners Up) 
  • 1978 - Argentina (Netherlands Runners Up) 
  • 1982 - Italy (West Germany Runners Up) 
  • 1986 - Argentina (West Germany Runners Up) 
  • 1990 - West Germany (Argentina Runners Up) 
  • 1994 - Brazil (Italy Runners Up) 
  • 1998 - France (Brazil Runners Up) 
  • 2002 - Brazil (Germany Runners Up) 
  • 2006 - Italy (France Runners Up) 
  • 2010 - Spain (Netherlands Runners Up) 
  • 2014 - Germany (Argentina Runners Up) 
  • 2018 - France (Croatia Runners Up) 

Our Final Thoughts on Betting on the 2022 World Cup

Who will win the 2022 World Cup? Will England finally be able to "Bring it Home", or will Belgium crush the hopes and dreams of the Three Lions? Could Spain and Germany return to their former glory, or will fresh blood like the Croatians finish what they started in 2018? Who will score the most goals, and which team will get the most yellow cards? 

Only time will tell. We predict that Brazil will take home the cup by beating France, with England bowing out in the Semi-Finals. We also expect 3rd place for either Spain or Germany. 

All we can tell you for sure is that this will be incredibly exciting to watch with twists and turns, blood, sweat and tears, and we can't wait for it!

Whoever your favourites are to win, follow the tips in this article and keep in mind what options you have in terms of markets, compare the odds from different licensed bookies and take advantage of the best betting bonuses, offers and free bets. And most importantly, enjoy and bet responsibly.

World Cup FAQs

When does the World Cup take place in Qatar?
Why is the World Cup in November?
Who qualified for World Cup 2022?
Who is predicted to win the World Cup?
Is it legal and safe to bet on the World Cup?
How to bet on the 2022 World Cup?
Who decides the betting odds for the World Cup?
Who to bet on for the 2022 World Cup?
What are the odds of England winning the World Cup 2022?
What are the best betting sites to place bets on the 2022 World Cup?
Why is Italy not in the World Cup?
What time will the 2022 World Cup games be played?
Where can I watch the World Cup 2022?
Greg Lea Contributor

Greg Lea

Contributor & Sports Expert

10 Articles
Greg is a seasoned football journalist, and has been giving his expert analysis for the last few years. With his industry experience, he aims to provide top-quality writing, game predictions and team roundups to help you make the best bets on your next game.
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