Gambler bets S$1.2 million that Spain would beat Cape Verde at 92% odds, loses

A pundit on prediction market Polymarket apparently placed a US$990,068 (S$1,268,000) bet for World Cup favourites Spain to win its match against tournament debutants and 67th-ranked Cape Verde.

If things had gone the pundit's way, the bettor would have walked away with more than US$85,000 (S$108,900).

The odds were set at 92 per cent.

Instead, Cape Verde held Spain to a draw, and the bettor walked away with a million dollars less in their bank.

Before the David-versus-Goliath showdown on Jun. 16 between Spain and Cape Verde, Polymarket shared about the million-dollar bet in a post on X.

🚨BREAKING: Someone just put $1M on Spain to WIN their match vs Cape Verde today

This pays out is $1,085,943.48 on Polymarket pic.twitter.com/7ODo3dJ7Pl

— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 15, 2026

By the time the final whistle went off, the scoreline remained unchanged at 0-0, thanks to a heroic debut showing by Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper.

Another "sure bet" pundit also lost a ton after laying out millions on a Belgium victory against Egypt. They drew.

🚨BREAKING: Someone named “leeeroyjenkins” just put $8.6M on Belgium to WIN their match vs Egypt today

This pays out $13,142,257.58 on Polymarket pic.twitter.com/H8Y8PSCkyS

— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 15, 2026

Polymarket is banned in Singapore after it was found to provide unlawful gambling services, The Straits Times reported.

Those who circumvent blocking measures may be found in contravention of the Gambling Control Act and may be fined up to S$10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both.