Cost of living crisis could see MORE gambling on World Cup take place
Survey ahead of Qatar 2022 shows cost of living crisis is impacting gambling habits heading into tournament
With the World Cup in Qatar about to get underway, a charity is warning fans about the dangers of gambling more than you can afford on matches.
GambleAware is warning of a 'perfect storm' of financial pressures on families in the UK, as inflation continues to soar, and the cost of Christmas hits our pockets.
It comes as a survey finds:
- 43% of football fans plan to bet on matches at this year's World Cup.
- 28% admit to feeling anxious about how much they might lose
- 39% say wider financial pressures (including Christmas and the cost of living crisis) may drive them to gamble more than they intended
- 56% of fans say it is easy to lose more money than expected betting on games
- 61% say there are too many gambling ads during the World Cup and International Tournaments
Fans warned about 'Bet Regret'
Qatar 2022 kicks off on Sunday 20th November, with England and Wales' campaigns due to get underway on Monday 21st.
Ahead of the opening weekend, GambleAware has joined forces with the Football Supporters Association (FSA) and well-known former footballers to raise awareness of the early warning signs of gambling harms.
The charity is offering fans practical advice on how to enjoy the tournament without experiencing ‘Bet Regret’ warning against making bets while "drunk, bored or chasing losses."
Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who has talked openly about his own 45-year gambling addiction, is among those backing the campaign:
The campaign is being supported by media companies, to "aid the prevention of gambling harms during the tournament."
Broadcasters including Sky, BT, ITV and Channel 4 have donated £1.5 million of free advertising space to GambleAware.
Get support if you're struggling with your gambling
Anyone concerned about their gambling, or that of a loved one, can visit:
BeGambleAware.org for free, confidential advice and support
The National Gambling Helpline is available on 0808 8020 133 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.