Online gambling concerns rise as GamCare reports new trends

The issue of online gambling continues to attract attention in the United Kingdom after leading gambling support charity GamCare reported a significant increase in the proportion of people seeking help for gambling-related harm linked to online platforms.

According to figures released by the organisation, online gambling remains the most commonly cited source of gambling-related problems among individuals who contact its support services. The findings have prompted renewed discussion about player protection, responsible gambling measures and the impact of major sporting events on gambling participation.

The charity noted that the trend is particularly relevant during periods of increased betting activity, including major international football tournaments that often encourage greater consumer engagement with sports wagering products.

GamCare reports highest proportion in recent years

GamCare stated that by June 2026, 81.5 percent of people contacting the organisation and identifying the type of gambling they struggled with reported that their difficulties were linked to online gambling activities.

The charity described this as the highest proportion recorded over the past five years. However, it also noted that the current figure is based on data from 3,053 contacts recorded during the first half of the year.

For context, GamCare reported that in 2021 a slightly higher percentage of 82.6 percent was recorded. However, that figure was drawn from a much larger sample of 7,258 contacts across the entire year.

As a result, the organisation emphasised that a more complete assessment of gambling behaviour trends will only be possible once data for the full year becomes available.

Despite this caveat, the figures suggest that online gambling remains a dominant concern among people seeking support for gambling-related issues in the UK.

Growth of digital gambling activity

The continued growth of online gambling reflects broader changes within the gambling industry over the past decade.

Consumers increasingly access gambling services through smartphones, tablets and desktop platforms. Online operators offer a wide variety of products including sports betting, online casino games, virtual sports and other interactive gambling experiences.

The convenience of digital access has transformed consumer behaviour. Gambling opportunities are now available around the clock, allowing players to participate from almost any location with internet access.

While many consumers gamble responsibly, support organisations and public health experts have frequently highlighted concerns regarding excessive gambling activity, particularly among vulnerable groups.

GamCare’s latest figures contribute to an ongoing debate regarding how gambling operators, regulators and support organisations can work together to reduce gambling-related harm while maintaining access to regulated gambling products.

Young adults identified as a key area of concern

Alongside its support service data, GamCare also highlighted findings from a survey conducted by YouGov earlier this year.

The survey included 3,717 adults across the United Kingdom and explored attitudes towards gambling during major sporting tournaments.

Among respondents aged between 18 and 34 who had previously placed bets during either UEFA Euro 2024 or the 2022 FIFA World Cup, 32 percent indicated that they felt tempted to gamble again during major international sporting competitions.

The findings suggest that large-scale sporting events continue to play an important role in encouraging betting participation among younger adults.

The survey also revealed that 30 percent of respondents within this age group reported moving from sports betting into higher-risk gambling products such as online casino games after initially engaging with gambling through major sporting events.

These findings have increased concerns among gambling support organisations regarding the potential progression from occasional sports betting to broader gambling participation.

The influence of major sporting tournaments

Major international sporting tournaments traditionally generate significant interest from betting operators and consumers alike.

Events such as the FIFA World Cup attract global audiences and often lead to increased promotional activity from gambling companies. Enhanced odds, bonus offers and tournament-specific marketing campaigns are common features during these periods.

While such promotions are designed to attract customers within regulated markets, support organisations have repeatedly warned that heightened gambling advertising and increased betting opportunities may present challenges for individuals who are vulnerable to gambling-related harm.

GamCare indicated that major sporting events frequently coincide with an increase in requests for information, support and treatment services.

The charity believes that awareness campaigns during tournament periods remain an important tool in helping individuals recognise signs of gambling-related difficulties before problems escalate.

GamCare highlights need for awareness and support

Victoria Corbishley, GamCare’s Chief Executive Officer, addressed the findings and stressed the importance of public awareness during major sporting events.

She said:

“We typically see more requests for help and support during major sporting tournaments and the World Cup could be particularly problematic for those struggling with online gambling. Many people who come to our services began by betting on sports before developing patterns of gambling that became harmful and the data shows young adults could be particularly vulnerable this summer. We know how quickly this can impact mental health, finances and relationships and we want people to know we are here to help.”

The comments reflect the charity’s broader focus on prevention, education and early intervention.

Support organisations generally encourage individuals experiencing gambling-related difficulties to seek assistance as early as possible. Early intervention can often help prevent financial, social and emotional consequences from becoming more severe.

Funding and support services

GamCare continues to play a significant role within the UK’s gambling support framework.

The organisation operates the National Gambling Helpline, which provides free and confidential support twenty-four hours a day. The service is available to individuals experiencing gambling-related difficulties as well as family members and others affected by someone else’s gambling behaviour.

The charity also provides counselling services, educational resources and treatment pathways aimed at reducing gambling-related harm across the country.

Funding for gambling support initiatives has recently undergone significant changes following the introduction of the British gambling levy. The new funding model is intended to provide a more structured and sustainable approach to financing research, prevention and treatment programmes connected to gambling-related harm.

Regulatory and industry implications

The latest figures arrive during a period of continued discussion surrounding gambling regulation in the UK.

Policymakers, regulators, operators and support organisations continue to evaluate how best to balance consumer freedom with effective player protection measures.

Areas frequently discussed include affordability checks, advertising standards, age verification systems, responsible gambling tools and support service accessibility.

The rise in contacts linked to online gambling is likely to contribute further to these discussions as stakeholders examine the effectiveness of existing safeguards and consider additional measures aimed at protecting vulnerable consumers.

While the data does not necessarily indicate an increase in overall gambling participation, it does reinforce the importance of monitoring player behaviour and ensuring that support resources remain readily available.

Conclusion

The latest figures released by GamCare highlight the continued prominence of online gambling among individuals seeking help for gambling-related difficulties in the United Kingdom. Although the full picture for 2026 has yet to emerge, the current data suggests that digital gambling platforms remain the primary source of concern among those accessing support services.

The findings also draw attention to the influence of major sporting tournaments and the potential vulnerability of younger adults who engage with betting activities during these events. As the gambling industry continues to evolve, discussions around player protection, responsible gambling and access to support services are expected to remain central topics for regulators, operators and public health organisations.

Ensuring that consumers have access to effective safeguards, education and support resources will remain a key component of efforts to reduce gambling-related harm while maintaining a regulated and responsible gambling environment.

FAQs

What is online gambling?
Online gambling refers to betting and gaming activities conducted through internet-based platforms, including sports betting, casino games and other gambling products.

What did GamCare report about online gambling?
GamCare reported that 81.5 percent of individuals contacting its services and identifying a gambling issue linked their difficulties to online gambling platforms.

Why is GamCare concerned about major sporting events?
Major sporting tournaments often lead to increased betting activity and can encourage greater gambling participation among some consumers.

Who is most at risk according to the survey findings?
The survey highlighted younger adults aged 18 to 34 as a group that may be particularly vulnerable to increased gambling participation during major sporting events.

What role do online casino games play in the findings?
Some survey participants reported moving from sports betting into online casino games, which are often regarded as higher-risk gambling products.

What support does GamCare provide?
GamCare offers counselling, educational resources, treatment pathways and operates the National Gambling Helpline.

Is online gambling legal in the UK?
Yes, online gambling is legal in the UK when offered by operators licensed and regulated under applicable laws and regulations.

What is the National Gambling Helpline?
The National Gambling Helpline is a free and confidential support service available around the clock for individuals affected by gambling-related issues.

How is gambling support funded in the UK?
Recent changes include funding through the British gambling levy, which is intended to support research, prevention and treatment initiatives.

Why are responsible gambling measures important?
Responsible gambling measures help protect consumers, promote safer gambling behaviour and provide support mechanisms for individuals who may experience gambling-related harm.