Drake, the Canadian rapper whose sports wagers have become a social media spectacle of their own, posted an Instagram screenshot on Saturday showing a $1.5 million USDT bet on Argentina to defeat Spain in the FIFA World Cup final.
- The wager was placed through Stake, the crypto-focused online casino and sportsbook, where Drake has served as a global ambassador and frequent promoter since signing a partnership in 2022.
Screenshot of Drake's Argentina wager. Source: Instagram
Unlike traditional sportsbook screenshots that display dollar balances, Drake's slip showed the stake in USDT that has become the dominant trading currency in crypto markets.
- At odds of 3.45, the wager would return about $5.1 million in USDT, including the original stake, if Argentina defeats Spain in regular time.
There is, however, an important catch. The bet is not on Argentina simply winning the World Cup.
It applies only to the "1x2" market, meaning Lionel Messi's Argentina must defeat Spain within 90 minutes plus stoppage time. A victory in extra time or on penalties would still result in a losing ticket.
- During the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, the rapper placed a $1 million bet on Argentina to beat France in regular time.
- Argentina eventually lifted the trophy after a penalty shootout, but the match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, rendering Drake's wager unsuccessful despite backing the eventual champion.
- This year's final pits Argentina, the defending world champion and winner of three World Cups, against Spain, the 2010 world champion and reigning European champion.
- The match will take place at New York New Jersey Stadium, the roughly 82,500-seat venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey that has hosted several marquee games during the expanded 48-team tournament.
Sunday's final is scheduled to kick off at 3 pm ET on July 19.