The number of people citing issues with online gambling on the National Gambling Helpline so far this year has reached its highest level since the end of the pandemic, raising fresh concerns ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The charity GamCare has found – of those who have disclosed a form of gambling to Helpline advisers so far this year – four in five (82%) cited struggles with online gambling specifically. It represents the highest rate seen since 2021 when lockdown restrictions were still in place, limiting access to many physical gambling premises in the UK.
GamCare, which operates the National Gambling Helpline, is urging people to be aware of the signs of gambling harm as the men’s World Cup gets underway this week, with more games to gamble on in this year’s tournament and later kick-offs offering more opportunities to gamble in secrecy.
The charity reported an 11% month-on-month increase in calls and online messages from people struggling with gambling following the men’s World Cup in 2022.
A recent survey from YouGov of over 3700 UK adults, commissioned by GamCare, found that young adults could be especially vulnerable during this summer’s tournament.
One in three surveyed (32%) between 18–34 who have placed a bet on the Euros or World Cup before say they find it difficult to avoid gambling during major international tournaments, according to new research.
Similarly, of those between 18–34 who had bet on sports tournaments before, 30% said they continued to gamble afterwards on higher-risk forms of gambling, such as online casino games.
Victoria Corbishley, Chief Executive Officer, 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.”
Paul Nash, who has experienced harm from gambling, comments: “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.”
Elsewhere, challenges with in-person forms of gambling, such as betting shops and gaming centres, have been cited by 36% of people who disclose a form of gambling on the Helpline in 2026, the lowest rate since 2021.
