GPs Urged to Screen Patients for Gambling Harm as World Cup Drives Surge in Online Betting
By
Sedeer el-Showk
Summary
Gambling charity GamCare reports rising online gambling harm during the FIFA World Cup, with an 11% increase in helpline contacts following the 2022 men's World Cup. In 2026, 82% of helpline callers cite online gambling — the highest rate since pandemic lockdowns. Clinicians are urging GPs to screen for gambling harm with the same routine scrutiny as alcohol and tobacco misuse, as World Cup betting activity surges.
Source
Twitter / XGPs Urged to Screen Patients for Gambling Harm as World Cup Drives Surge in Online Bettingmdsc.peKey quotes
· 3 pulledGambling charity GamCare reported an 11% month-on-month increase in calls and online contacts to the National Gambling Helpline after the men's World Cup in 2022.
So far in 2026, 82% of those contacting the helpline have cited online gambling specifically — the highest rate since 2021, when lockdown restrictions were still limiting access to physical gambling premises.
Clinicians are urging GPs to treat gambling harm with the same routine scrutiny as alcohol and tobacco misuse, as World Cup gambling activity peaks.
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