The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. As 48 teams compete in 104 matches, more people than ever before are expected to place a bet – with many betting for the first time.
We’ve teamed up with Ara Recovery For All to raise awareness that while major sporting events are a time of excitement, celebration and togetherness for many, they also bring increased risk of gambling harm. Some groups, such as Global Majority, young people, men and those on a lower income are more likely to experience severe adverse consequences.
We’re concerned that residents already facing financial hardship and housing instability may be worst impacted by constant gambling adverts that appear to offer a way out of money worries. This is concerning as, at Citizens Advice Plymouth, we continue to see high numbers of residents in financial crisis, with 1,675 Plymothians approaching at crisis point in 2025/26, and 1 in 5 seeking urgent charitable support like referrals to food banks.
Others may feel that betting more is their only recourse in the face of spiralling gambling debts. Through his story, Kai, Community Engagement Lead at ARA, highlights how even seemingly harmless options like free bets can be damaging: “During the 2010 World Cup, I had already gambled away all of my money. I was relying on a handful of “free bets” and promotions, convincing myself they might somehow get me out of the mess I was in… The truth is that free bets are rarely free.
They are designed to encourage further gambling, keep people engaged and create the feeling that there is little to lose. For me, they became another reason to continue chasing losses and another excuse not to stop… Winning wasn’t the solution; it was simply fuel to keep going.
At that point, I wasn’t paying bills properly, I was struggling to cover my rent, creditors were chasing me, and my mental health was deteriorating. Gambling had taken over so much of my life that it had even stolen something I genuinely loved. Watching the World Cup had always been a passion, but I could no longer enjoy the sport itself. Every match became about the next bet, the next accumulator, the next attempt to win back what I’d lost.”
Concerningly, football is unlikely to be the only factor behind increased betting, as the continued rise in household bills leaves people looking for ways to boost their budgets. Nationwide report that 68% gamblers expect to gamble more due to the increased number of sporting events this year. In 2022, Opinium found that nearly 1 in 2 surveyed British football fans had used betting to supplement their income, including more than 1 in 5 who had used it to help cover basic living costs.
Emma Handley, Citizens Advice Plymouth CEO, said: “We know from rising demand for crisis support over the past couple of years that increased living costs are impacting Plymothians more and more. Sport events throughout this year may tempt more people to try their luck at the bookies for a short-term income fix – which can lead to financial insecurity and debt later on. The same is true of other forms of gambling that may seem harmless habit, like a weekly scratch card or playing the National Lottery.
Whether you’re worried about your own gambling, concerned about a loved one, or experiencing the impact of someone else’s gambling, help is available from Citizens Advice and ARA.”
After receiving ‘life changing’ support, Kai is in control of his finances and able to enjoy the beautiful game again. Chaz Singh, ARA Community Engagement Lead for Plymouth and Devon, said: “If you’re in a situation like this, please don’t suffer in silence – reach out today. To speak to me in person, you can find me in Barclays Bank, Armada Way Plymouth every Friday – or visit our website using the details below to self-refer for an appointment.”
Contact Ara Recovery for All
Phone: 0330 1340 286
Email: aragamblingservice@recovery4all.co.uk
Website: www.recovery4all.co.uk/gambling-harms-services
Citizens Advice Plymouth