UK betting activity surges 50% as World Cup 2018 kicks off

British online bookmakers are on track for a bumper start as the FIFA World Cup tournament enters its second week, according to payment processing company Worldpay.

The firm’s analysis of consumer spending data during England’s opening group match against Tunisia revealed that online betting activity soared by 50 percent ahead of England’s opening game. Much of the wagering action happened just before 5 p.m. on Monday, with Worldpay reportedly processing at least 78 bets per second.

However, the payment processing firm noted that the average spend per deposit was 7 percent lower this year, with more casual punters jumping in the wagering action.

“Football fans are not the only ones celebrating England’s win; Britain’s businesses also scored big as supporters bet big during England’s clash with Tunisia,” Worldpay’s Growth – Digital Content & Gambling Vice President Daniel Belda said in a statement.