Gambling harms could hit football fans this winter

Football fans could be hit by an increase in gambling harms this winter, a leading British charity has warned ahead of the upcoming international tournament. GambleAware has launched a new campaign to ensure fans are protected during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and significant hype around the international tournament.

Six in ten football fans (61%) agree that there are too many gambling ads during the World Cup and other international tournaments, with betting promotions on social media and television set to increase during the tournament over the weeks ahead.

Meanwhile, nearly three in ten (28%) football fans admit to feeling anxious about how much they might lose whilst betting during the World Cup, with more than half of fans (56%) saying that it is easy to lose more money than expected.

In response, 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 also offering fans practical advice on how to enjoy the tournament without experiencing ‘Bet Regret’ – the universal ‘sinking feeling’ that people may experience after making an impulsive bet, often when drunk, bored or chasing losses.

Aston spoke to media medic and NHS psychiatrist Dr Max Pemberton.

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