GamCare has issued a warning regarding the potential for increased gambling-related issues during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, referencing an 11% rise in contacts to the National Gambling Helpline after the 2022 tournament. The charity emphasizes that young adults may be particularly at risk during this summer's event.
Following the 2022 World Cup, the charity noted a significant uptick in requests for assistance, with helpline contacts increasing from 8,802 in December 2022 to 9,742 in January 2023. This marks an 11% rise month-on-month, highlighting a trend where major sporting events correlate with heightened demand for gambling support services.
According to GamCare, which manages the U.K. National Gambling Helpline, 81.5% of the 3,053 individuals seeking help in 2026 reported engaging in online gambling. This statistic represents the highest percentage recorded since 2021.
Victoria Corbishley, CEO of GamCare, stated, “We often observe a surge in requests for help during significant sporting events, and the World Cup could be especially challenging for those struggling with online gambling. Many individuals who seek our services initially started with sports betting before developing harmful gambling patterns. Our data indicates that young adults may be particularly susceptible this summer. The impact on mental health, finances, and relationships can occur rapidly, and we want to ensure people know we are available to provide support.”
Recent research conducted by YouGov, commissioned by GamCare, surveyed over 3,700 adults in the U.K. Among those aged 18-34 who had previously placed bets on the Euros or World Cup, 32% expressed difficulty in avoiding gambling during major international tournaments. This contrasts with 18% of respondents aged 35-53 and just 9% of those aged 55 and older.
The survey also revealed that 30% of younger adults (18-34) who had previously bet on significant sports events continued to gamble afterward, often on higher-risk products like online casino games. In comparison, 19% of those aged 35-53 and 20% of respondents aged 55 and above reported similar behavior.
These findings resonate with broader research indicating high gambling participation rates among younger adults. For instance, the Belgian Gambling Commission reported last year that 84% of individuals aged 18-30 had engaged with legal gambling products. This underscores the necessity for responsible gambling initiatives targeting younger populations.
Paul Nash, who has faced gambling-related challenges, shared his experience: “In my younger years, I felt that gambling was taking over my life. Events like the World Cup, filled with excitement, can trigger significant issues for those grappling with gambling problems. Reaching out to the National Gambling Helpline during my lowest moments was incredibly beneficial, and I encourage anyone else facing similar struggles to do the same.”