GambleAware, which offers free, confidential help for gamblers in Great Britain, has partnered with the Football Supporters Association to run a new campaign to raise awareness of the early warning signs of gambling problems. The campaign, featuring notable former footballers, will coincide with the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament.
GambleAware Chief Executive Zoë Osmond said the publicity surrounding the FIFA games, cost-of-living increases and the holiday season “could create a ‘perfect storm’ where fans resort to gambling as a way to cope. This can have the opposite effect, both financially and in terms of mental health.”
Osmond noted in a recent online survey by Opinium of 2,000 British football fans, 61 percent said too many gambling ads are run during the World Cup and other international tournaments. An additional 28 percent said they were anxious about potential betting losses during the World Cup and while 56 percent stated it’s easy to lose more money than expected.
GambleAware also will provide advice on how to enjoy the tournament without experiencing “Bet Regret.” Osmond said, “There are lots of ways to avoid Bet Regret, the sinking feeling you get after making a bet you wish you hadn’t, including deleting apps and setting a limit. These steps can help fans enjoy the football this winter without feeling stress or anxiety around gambling. We can see that many fans are already feeling anxious about this.”
Gambling Minister Paul Scully said, “I welcome this campaign from GambleAware to help raise awareness of practical actions people can take to avoid gambling-related harms. We are undertaking the most comprehensive review of gambling laws in 15 years to ensure they are fit for the digital age, including considering the evidence on gambling advertising and marketing.”
