As the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup begins, and ahead of England’s match with Mexico, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) is warning all football fans to be aware of the risks associated with gambling and not get swept away by the excitement of the event.
RCPsych is also encouraging anyone concerned about their gambling to take steps to protect themselves and seek support. People who think they may have a gambling problem should consider limiting their ability to place bets and there are now 15 specialist NHS clinics designed to treat gambling disorder which people can self-refer to.
The knockout stages are often when interest in betting intensifies, as the stakes for each match carry greater significance and emotions run higher. Increased exposure to betting promotions and opportunities can be particularly challenging for people living with gambling disorder or trying to recover from it.
Gambling disorder can damage relationships, create significant financial difficulties and cause serious mental health problems. For some people, losses can trigger a cycle of chasing bets in an attempt to recover money, leading to further harm and increasing risks to their mental health and wellbeing.
Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones OBE, the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ spokesperson on gambling disorder, said:
“People are at much greater risk of gambling during the World Cup, and what might begin as a single bet can quickly become a harmful addiction. For some fans, the final whistle won’t end their gambling and while a match may be over in 90 minutes the impact on their lives can extend well beyond the tournament itself.
“Gambling disorder is a mental illness that can lead to severe anxiety and depression. It is estimated to be linked to hundreds of suicides each year and should be treated as a serious public health issue.
“Nobody should feel ashamed about asking for help and support. Specialist NHS clinics are designed to provide people with effective treatment and reaching out early can make a real difference. People can also benefit from putting self-exclusion agreements in place to stop themselves from gambling online or in person and installing blocking software can also help prevent them from accessing gambling websites.”
Read our information resource about gambling disorder and how to protect yourself from problem gambling. See advice on accessing gambling and debt support from Citizens Advice.
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Twitter: @rcpsych
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896