UK charity GamCare has revealed an increase in people seeking help with problems related to online gambling. As a result, the charity warned that the World Cup might be a riskier period for vulnerable players.
The Proportion of Players Experiencing Online Gambling Problems Has Increased
In its report, GamCare noted that the percentage of people citing issues with online gambling on the National Gambling Helpline has reached its highest level since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. As it turned out, a staggering 82% of all people who contacted the helpline in 2026 had problems with online gambling in particular.
Due to this figure, GamCare issued a warning to players, asking them to remain vigilant as the FIFA World Cup approaches. The popularity of soccer often results in a spike in betting activity around major events, meaning that vulnerable players will be at an increased risk of harm. For context, the men’s World Cup in 2022 led to an 11% month-on-month increase in people seeking help after experiencing gambling harm.
YouGov probed 3,700 adults and discovered that young adults could be especially vulnerable during the 2026 World Cup. Roughly 32% of all respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 who had previously placed a wager on the Euros and World Cup said that they find it difficult to refrain from gambling during major tournaments. Of these, 30% said that they continued to gamble following the tournaments, turning to higher-risk verticals, such as online casino games.
At the same time, in-person gambling has seen a decrease in players contacting the helpline in 2026. In-person gambling was cited by only 36% of people who sought the helpline’s services. This is notably the lowest rate since 2021.
Big Tournaments Are Dangerous to People Struggling with Gambling
GamCare officials commented on the findings, with Victoria Corbishley, the charity’s CEO, saying that her team does tend to see more requests for help and support during major sporting tournaments. She warned that the World Cup could be “particularly problematic” for people who are already experiencing problems.
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.
Victoria Corbishley, CEO, GamCare
Paul Nash, a lived experience individual, reminisced about his younger adult years when he experienced serious struggles with his gambling. He said that tournaments, such as the World Cup, were huge triggers that encouraged him to gamble even more.
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.
Paul Nash
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 11.