The charity reported an 11% increase in National Gambling Helpline contacts following the 2022 World Cup. It warns that young adults may be particularly vulnerable during this summer’s tournament.
GamCare has warned that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could lead to an increase in gambling-related harm, citing an 11% increase in National Gambling Helpline contacts following the 2022 tournament and a post-pandemic high in online gambling-related support requests.
According to the charity, which operates the U.K. National Gambling Helpline, 81.5% of the 3,053 people who disclosed a form of gambling while seeking support in 2026 cited online gambling. The figure represents the highest proportion recorded since 2021.
World Cup Previously Followed an Increase In Helpline Demand
GamCare said major sporting tournaments have historically coincided with increased demand for support services.
The charity reported that contacts to the National Gambling Helpline rose from 8,802 in December 2022 to 9,742 in January 2023. The figures represent an 11% month-on-month increase following the World Cup in Qatar.
Ahead of this year’s tournament, GamCare warned that an expanded schedule and additional opportunities to gamble online could create risks for people already experiencing gambling-related harm.
Victoria Corbishley, Chief Executive Officer of GamCare, said:
We typically see more requests for help and support during major sporting tournaments, and the World Cup could be particularly problematic for those struggling with online gambling.
“Many people who come to our services began by betting on sports before developing patterns of gambling that became harmful, and the data shows young adults could be particularly vulnerable this summer. We know how quickly this can impact mental health, finances, and relationships, and we want people to know we are here to help.”
Young Adults Identified As Higher-Risk Group
The warning comes alongside new YouGov research commissioned by GamCare, which involved more than 3,700 U.K. adults.
Among respondents aged 18-34 who had previously placed a bet on the Euros or World Cup, 32% said they find it difficult to avoid gambling during major international tournaments. That compared with 18% of respondents aged 35-53 and 9% of those aged 55 and older.
The survey also found that 30% of 18-34-year-olds who had previously bet on major sports tournaments said they continued gambling afterward on higher-risk products such as online casino games. Among other age groups, the figures were 19% among the 35-53 group and 20% among respondents aged 55 and over.
The findings align with broader research into gambling participation among younger adults. Last year, the Belgian Gambling Commission reported that 84% of young adults aged 18-30 had used legal gambling products. The findings highlight the importance of responsible gambling measures among younger demographics.
Paul Nash, who has experienced gambling-related harm, said:
During my younger adult years, I really felt gambling had begun to take my life away from me.
“Tournaments like the World Cup, where there is so much hype and excitement, can be huge triggers when you are going through a gambling problem, and you’re not sure how to stop. Reaching out to the National Gambling Helpline when I was at my lowest point with gambling was a huge help for me, and I’d recommend anyone else struggling to do so too.”
Online Gambling Dominates Helpline Contacts
GamCare’s data also highlights the growing role of online gambling among those seeking support.
While 81.5% cited online gambling, 36.1% cited in-person forms of gambling, including betting shops and gaming centers, the lowest proportion recorded during the same period. The figures highlight the growing share of gambling-related issues reported to support services linked to online gambling.
GamCare’s concerns that major tournaments could increase gambling-related risk are not new.
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, payment provider Worldpay forecasted a 15% increase in betting activity in the U.K. compared to UEFA Euro 2020.
Concerns surrounding tournament-related gambling activity extend beyond betting volumes. Following the 2022 tournament, research from the University of Sheffield found that television gambling advertising “significantly increased” betting activity during the tournament.
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