GamCare has issued a stark warning that this summer’s FIFA World Cup poses a significant risk of increasing gambling-related harm across the United Kingdom.
The tournament kicks off on 11 June and runs through 19 July, with matches spread across host nations the United States, Canada and Mexico.
This edition of the World Cup is the largest in history, featuring 48 competing nations rather than the previous field of 32, meaning more matches are available to bet on than ever before.
GamCare pointed to the 2022 World Cup as a clear indicator of what could follow, noting that tournament led to an 11% month-on-month rise in people contacting the charity for support.
The organisation also highlighted that late kick-off times, caused by the time difference between the UK and North America, could give gamblers greater opportunities to “gamble in secrecy.”
“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,” GamCare CEO Victoria Corbishley said.
GamCare revealed that online gambling concerns on its National Gambling Helpline have already reached their highest proportional level since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Of those who disclosed a form of gambling to Helpline advisers so far this year, 82% cited struggles with online gambling specifically, the highest proportion recorded since 2021.
By contrast, only 36% of callers identified land-based venues as their primary gambling concern in 2026, marking the lowest such figure since 2021.
A YouGov survey of more than 3,700 UK adults flagged that young people could be especially exposed to harm during the tournament this summer.
Some 32% of people aged 18 to 34 who have previously bet on a major football tournament said they find it hard to avoid gambling during such events.
A further 30% of respondents in that age group admitted they continued gambling on higher-risk products like online casino games following major football tournaments.
“Many people who come to our services began by betting on sports before developing patterns of gambling that became harmful,” Corbishley said. “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,” Corbishley added.
