GamCare has warned that this summer’s FIFA World Cup could exacerbate gambling-related harm among consumers in the UK.
GamCare has warned that this summer’s FIFA World Cup could exacerbate gambling-related harm, with the last edition of the tournament leading to an 11% month-on-month increase in people seeking support.
The World Cup kicks off later this week, with games taking place across the US, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. The 2026 tournament will feature more games than ever after the number of competing teams increased from 32 to 48.
GamCare said more games to gamble on in this year’s tournament could lead to an increase in people seeking help. In addition, it said later kick-offs – due to the time difference between the UK and North America – offers more opportunities to “gamble in secrecy”.
After the most recent World Cup in 2022 led to a double-digit month-on-month increase in the number of people who contacted the charity for support, GamCare said consumers should not be afraid to seek help.
“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.
Online gambling behaviour a concern for GamCare
The warning came as GamCare also revealed that the percentage of people citing issues with online gambling on its National Gambling Helpline so far this year reached its 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. This was the highest proportion since 2021, when lockdown restrictions limited access to many physical gambling premises.
In contrast, only 36% of callers disclosed land-based venues as a form of gambling on the Helpline during 2026. This was the lowest rate recorded since 2021.
Younger people more at risk of harm
GamCare also referenced a recent survey from YouGov of more than 3,700 UK adults, which flagged that young adults could be especially vulnerable during the World Cup.
Some 32% of people aged 18-34 who have bet on a major football tournament in the past said they find it hard to avoid gambling during these events. In addition, 30% of respondents in this age group said they continued to gamble afterwards on higher-risk forms of gambling, such as online casino games.
“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.”