GamCare Warns of Rising World Cup Gambling Harm

GamCare has issued a fresh warning about World Cup gambling harm as this summer’s tournament gets underway. The charity points to what happened after the last World Cup as a warning sign. Calls to its National Gambling Helpline jumped sharply once that tournament ended. GamCare fears a similar spike could happen again, but on a larger scale.

The numbers from 2022 show how quickly World Cup gambling harm can follow a tournament. Contacts to the helpline rose from 8,802 in December to 9,742 in January. That was an 11% increase in a single month, right after the World Cup in Qatar finished. This year’s tournament has an expanded schedule, and GamCare worries that more matches mean more chances to gamble online.

Online Betting and the Rise in World Cup Gambling Harm

GamCare runs the UK’s National Gambling Helpline, and online gambling now dominates the cases it sees. Among the 3,053 people who disclosed a form of gambling while seeking support in 2026, 81.5% pointed to online gambling. That is the highest share recorded since 2021.

In-person gambling looked very different. Betting shops and gaming centers made up just 36.1% of disclosures, the lowest figure on record for this period. The shift shows where the pressure points for World Cup gambling harm sit today. Mobile apps, websites, and online casino games now sit at the center of the problems people bring to GamCare.

This pattern matters heading into the World Cup. Matches are streamed everywhere, and betting apps sit just a tap away on any phone. So the chances to place a bet during the tournament are greater than ever before. GamCare argues this wider access could make World Cup gambling harm worse than after past tournaments.

Young Adults Face the Highest Risk

New research commissioned by GamCare backs up its warning. YouGov surveyed more than 3,700 UK adults and looked at how people behave during major tournaments. The results point to a clear age gap in World Cup gambling harm risk.

The gap is striking among younger bettors. Among 18 to 34 year olds who had bet on the Euros or World Cup, 32% find it hard to stop once a tournament begins. That compares with 18% of those aged 35 to 53, and just 9% of people aged 55 and over. Younger bettors clearly feel the pull of constant football coverage and betting promotions more than older groups do.

The risk doesn’t end when the final whistle blows. Among 18 to 34 year olds, 30% kept gambling after the tournament ended. Many of them moved on to higher-risk products, such as online casino games. The figure was 19% among 35 to 53 year olds, and 20% among those aged 55 and over.

A Warning Paired With a Message of Support

Victoria Corbishley, Chief Executive Officer of GamCare, said the charity often sees demand for its services rise during major tournaments. She explained that many people who reach out started out betting on sports before their habits became harmful. The new data, she said, suggests young adults could be especially exposed this summer.

Corbishley added that gambling problems can affect mental health, finances, and relationships quickly. Because of that, she wants people to know support is available before things spiral. She said GamCare is there to help, whatever stage someone is at.

Paul Nash, who has experienced gambling harm himself, shared his own story alongside the warning. He said tournaments like the World Cup can fuel gambling harm for someone already struggling. The hype and excitement around the games make it harder to step back. Reaching out to the National Gambling Helpline at his lowest point made a real difference, and he encourages others to do the same.

A Familiar Pattern Around Major Tournaments

Concerns about World Cup gambling harm are not new. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, one major payment provider forecast a 15% rise in UK betting activity compared with Euro 2020. Researchers later found that TV gambling advertising during the 2022 World Cup significantly boosted betting activity among viewers.

Put together, these findings point to a recurring cycle. Interest in betting climbs during tournaments, and habits can escalate quickly. The impact on support services often shows up months later, once the football has finished. GamCare hopes that raising awareness now will help limit World Cup gambling harm this time around.

The message from GamCare is simple. Anyone worried about their own betting, or about a friend or family member, can reach out for support. Help is free, confidential, and available at any time. Reaching out early can make a real difference before gambling causes lasting harm.