The World Cup is a massive money-spinner and stock market players are busy picking betting firms, that will benefit from the associated global spending surge.

The world’s biggest sporting event is unlikely to make or break companies but it gives them the chance to reach new punters, potentially locking in revenue streams beyond the end of the month-long tournament that kicks off next week in Russia.

Investment banks are busy sending clients their World Cup research identifying which shares could win big with UK-listed bookmakers such as GVC or Paddy Power Betfair seen as good bets, particularly if England do well.

A strong showing from England will keep interest and hopes high, and the further the national team progresses, the more punters are likely to bet with their hearts rather than their heads,” Laith Khalaf, a senior analyst at Hargreaves said.