The goals are flowing in the 2026 World Cup, teams are celebrating, and the supporters are in full voice.

But while this may be good news for many football fans, for some, it presents the risk of a gambling addiction tightening its grip on their lives.

A study by Nationwide found that 83% of 18 to 24-year-olds expect to gamble more frequently due to major sporting events in 2026.

Research by the University of Sheffield found that television gambling advertising significantly influenced betting during the 2022 World Cup.

“This is a vulnerable time for individuals experiencing gambling addiction,” says our member Tracy Stafford, a therapist based in Cambridgeshire who works with people with gambling addiction.

“Large-scale events like the World Cup often lead to a surge in gambling across the nation, with those struggling with gambling addiction being especially affected.

“Cultural and social factors, such as the widespread acceptance of gambling during these occasions, can make it seem both normal and justified because ‘everyone is doing it.’

Andrew Harvey, a therapist in Nottingham who specialises in working with people with addictions, says: “Problem gambling can be difficult to spot because it’s often a hidden problem. Unlike alcohol or drug misuse, there may be no obvious physical signs, and many people become skilled at concealing the extent of their gambling.”

But with the increase in gambling opportunities during the World Cup, some signs may become more prominent over the coming weeks.

How to spot the signs of a gambling addiction

Secretive behaviour

“A loved one may become guarded about bank statements, or financial circumstances for fear of the extent of their gambling becoming known,” says Tracy.  

Andrew adds they may “feel the need to be vague or defensive when asked about spending, bank accounts, or finances.”

“They may start hiding transactions, deleting betting apps or becoming reluctant to discuss money matters,” he says.

Mood swings

Both Tracy and Andrew say that you may notice people’s mood swings or increased irritability, anxiety or low mood.

Their emotional state may be closely tied to wins and losses.

Tracy adds: “They may experience mood swings, for example being elated and jovial at times, this may be related to anticipatory excitement and so-called wins. They may experience low moods and depression, this may be related to losses or money worries, which can include feelings of guilt and shame for many.”

Andrew says: “Being in the grip of an addiction can be very demanding for people mentally.” 

Borrowing money or disregarding financial responsibilities

With the amount of money spent on gambling, it’s no surprise that some of the signs of addiction are financial ones.

Andrew says repeated requests to borrow money, missing funds, unpaid bills or financial problems that do not seem to match their income can all be warning signs. 

Tracy adds: “A loved one may make regular requests to borrow from you or others, they may become frustrated if loans are refused, they may make attempts to manipulate you or others into loaning money.”

In some cases, someone may have their bank account blocked due to the large number of gambling transactions.

Preoccupation with betting

Andrew says you may notice if the person spends increasing amounts of time discussing odds, checking scores, analysing games or planning bets.

“Gambling can gradually become the focus of their attention and daily routine,” he adds.

Withdrawal from relationships and hobbies

“As gambling becomes more central, people often pull away from family, friends and activities they previously enjoyed. This isolation can make the problem easier to hide,” says Andrew.

Elaborate purchases

You may have some questions if you notice your loved one is suddenly buying expensive or luxury items.

Tracy says: “This can be particularly concerning if, at other times, they’re experiencing financial hardship. The contrast between moments of apparent wealth and episodes of monetary difficulty may signal underlying issues with gambling and its impact on their finances.”

Chasing losses

“One of the less recognised signs is the belief that a big win is just around the corner. A person may continue gambling in an attempt to recover money they have already lost, which can lead to a cycle of escalating debt and distress,” says Andrew.

Superstition and magical thinking

This can be a ritual for some people experiencing gambling addiction, although it’s a less common sign. An example could be someone repeatedly behaving in a particular way believing it could impact the outcome of their bets.

Tracy explains: “For example, if I wear this shirt, or when I place bets in denominations of this sort, my team wins, or the fruit machine pays out.”

How to approach a friend or family member if you’re concerned about their gambling

Raising your concerns about someone’s gambling can be challenging for both you and your loved one.

They may want to defend their gambling, as it will likely have been a coping strategy for them, says Tracy.

Our therapists have a few suggestions about what might help.

Approach with curiosity, concern and compassion

Andrew says that if you’re worried about a loved one, it’s important to approach the conversation with curiosity and concern rather than criticism or judgement. 

He says: “People struggling with gambling often experience significant shame, guilt and fear. A compassionate conversation is more likely to encourage honesty than accusations or demands. While it’s important not to ignore harmful behaviour, maintaining a supportive and non-judgemental approach can help keep communication open.”

Choose a calm moment to talk

“Choose a calm moment to talk, rather than raising the issue immediately after an argument, a loss or a sporting event,” says Andrew. “Focus on specific changes you have noticed and how they are affecting the person and those around them.”

It's often helpful to have some sources of support at hand, in case the person you are talking to expresses their wishes to seek support and/or information.  

Use ‘I’ statements rather than ‘you’ statements

Tracy says: “It can be useful to approach it using ‘I statements’ such as ‘I’ve noticed you’ve been short on money when we plan things’ or ‘I feel really worried about you because I care about you’. ‘I’ statements help by focusing on your personal observations without feeling like an accusation for your loved one.

Remember your own wellbeing

Tracy says: “Because living with or loving someone experiencing addiction is impactful, emotionally and financially, seeking your own support can be very important to protect your own wellbeing. Gam-Anon offer support for those experiencing gambling addiction and affected others such as spouses, siblings, children or friends.”

How can counselling help?

Recovery from gambling addiction is possible, and support is available, says Andrew.

Counselling can help people acknowledge they have a problem, understand the emotional, psychological and behavioural factors that contribute to it, and come to terms with their addiction.

Tracy says: “It can also help them understand what needs they may be trying to meet through gambling, and discover healthier alternatives to gambling to live fulfilling lives free from the rollercoaster that is gambling addiction. 

Andrew adds: “Gambling may be linked to stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, trauma or difficulties managing emotions. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these underlying issues and develop healthier coping strategies. Counselling can also help people recognise triggers, challenge unhelpful beliefs about gambling, rebuild relationships and regain a sense of control over their finances and wellbeing.” 

If you want to see a private therapist for help with your gambling addiction, you can search for therapists on our Therapy Directory.

What support is available?

The NHS has gambling harms clinics across the country made up of psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and lived-experience workers.  You can self-refer or be referred by your GP. These services provide structured therapy, recovery support and help for families.

There are many incredible charities around the country that support people with gambling addiction.

GamCare is one of the main UK charities supporting people affected by gambling and has a 24/7 helpline.

There are also 12-step and peer support programmes available through Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon, which is a support network specifically for family members and friends.

Other support routes include: reaching out to your GP for referral to mental health or addiction services; Citizens Advice for debt and financial support; local drug and alcohol services, many of which now include gambling support; and debt support charities.