Tech Issues, Big Losses Hit Bet365 During World Cup Final

Not only did Bet365 experience technical issues ahead of and during the first half of the World Cup Final between Argentina and France on Sunday, the sportsbook also took a hit of more than $10 million to winning customers.

Neil Parker

Last Updated: October 8, 2025 11:09 AM EDT • 2 minute read

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The self-proclaimed world’s favorite sportsbook took it on the chin during Sunday's thrilling World Cup final.

Bet365 experienced technical issues ahead of and during the first half of the showdown between Argentina and France. Bettors couldn’t access the sportsbook through its website or mobile apps – and customers took the crash about as well as Marco Materazzi absorbed Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt In the 2006 final.

The final also proved to be a financial disaster for bet365.

Punters were heavily invested in the South American side ahead of the tournament. Argentina captain Lionel Messi was a popular target in the Golden Ball market and midfielder Enzo Fernandez was a notable liability, trading at +3300 odds to win the “Young Player” award.

The sportsbook also offered boosted odds for both Messi and France star Kylian Mbappe to each record a shot on target during Sunday’s final that was incredibly costly. Additionally, Messi was +750 to score twice, and Mbappe cashed at +6600 to score a hat trick.

And it gets better!

Thanks to its "two goals ahead" early payout offer, bet365 not only had to pay out bettors who backed Argentina, but also shelled out for the draw after Mbappe’s heroics late in regulation sent the match to extra time.

Bet365 also paid out approximately $500,000 in prize money through its free World Cup predictor game.

Any way you slice it, this was a debacle for bet365.

This isn’t the first time the sportsbook has been inaccessible during a major football event, either. Bet365 had similar technical issues during the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool in May.

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Written by:
Neil Parker

A lifelong Cowboys, Cubs, Maple Leafs and Gators supporter, Neil has been covering sports in print and online since 2011. His past stops include USA TODAY, theScore, DraftKings Playbook and RotoWire among others. He's a graduate of St. Thomas University and Acadia University and spends ample time at KenWo Golf Club.