GamCare urges those struggling with gambling following Euros to seek support

With the Euros having come to an end and a summer of sport still ahead, the gambling support charity GamCare is encouraging anyone who is struggling with gambling to speak to a professional for support.

The charity, which operates the National Gambling Helpline, found a 10% increase in the number of calls made in the three months following the last Euros competition in 2021* and is concerned that people may turn their attention to other forms of gambling now that the tournament has finished.

GamCare’s Helpline also saw an increase in calls and online chats in the days after England games throughout the Euros, with the largest spike in calls following England’s second-round game with Slovakia.

The charity is particularly concerned about young adults who may have placed a bet for the first time during the Euros, or increased their betting patterns, who may look towards other gambling activities such as online casino games.

According to data from a YouGov survey of over 5,000 adults earlier this year, commissioned by GamCare, young adults aged 16-24 who have bet in the past 12 months are more likely to experience negative impacts compared to older age groups.

The YouGov survey showed:

• One quarter (25%) of 16-24-year-olds who gambled in the past year reported experiencing mental health issues including stress and anxiety. This is significantly higher than 14% of 25-34-year-olds, 11% of 35-44-year-olds, and 8% of 45-54-year-olds.
• Two in five (39%) between 16-24 age group admitted to “chasing their losses” after betting, attempting to win back the money they had already lost. This was reported by 21% of 25-34-year-olds, 19% of 35-44-year-olds, and 13% of 45-54-year-olds.
• One quarter (26%) of 16-24-year-olds who gambled in the last year believe they may have had a problem with gambling, compared to 16% of 25-34-year-olds, 12% of 35-44-year-olds, 7% of 45-54-year-olds, 5% of 55-64-year-olds, and just 2% of those aged 65+.

Matt Burgiss, who has experienced gambling addiction himself and now works at GamCare, says: “With more people likely having increased their gambling over the Euros, there is a real risk people might now turn to other forms of gambling, such as online casino games, now that the football has finished. My own gambling started with football bets when I was a teenager, which seemed harmless at first but quickly escalated into an online addiction where I was playing a variety of casino-style games of which I had no real knowledge. It nearly cost me my life.”

“Having been through it myself, I know how hard it can feel to reach out for help, but seeking help and making positive changes has transformed my life for the better. Our advisors are here 24/7 to listen and support you, whether it’s free tools through our TalkBanStop partnership to stop gambling online, or support from a trained practitioner. Call the National Gambling Helpline now on 0808 8020 133, or message us on our live chat function to get started.”

Anyone struggling with gambling harm is urged to call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. You can speak with Advisers one-to-one over the phone or on live chat 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

* Data was collected from the number of calls received to the National Gambling Helpline three months before Euro 2020 (March-May 2021) compared to the three months following the competition (August – October 2021).