GamCare raises concerns over gambling harm during Euro 2020 and summer of sport

Gambling support charity GamCare has voiced that it is unsure about the full impact that Euro 2020 has had on gambling harm, and is preparing for an increased amount of helpline calls amid a summer of sport, where Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have been eased or lifted. It is feared by GamCare that Euro 2020 will act as a gambling catalyst over the summer, with several sporting events going ahead this year such as Wimbledon and the Olympics. It is known by the charity that regular gamblers have spent more time and money on betting during lockdown, and believe that vulnerability to gambling could now be amplified. Increased support has been called for over the risk of gambling-related harm, especially with younger bettors who make up most of the majority of people who it helps. Helpline advisers have reported, that they have had to call emergency services for people who have directly related Euro 2020 to their spike in gambling activity. Over half of GamCare’s advisers have revealed that they have taken calls from at least one recovered gambler, who relapsed during the Euros. In more extreme circumstances, staff have experienced callers saying that they even used their children’s phones to avoid gambling blocks, in a desperate attempt to place a bet. Or creating new betting accounts using a partner’s name before a match had started. Also, some have disguised their own appearance to walk into betting shops they have been banned from. Yet it is not just the gamblers themselves who are suffering in the current climate, as GamCare has also been hearing from people affected by the gambling of others, where incidents of financial and emotional abuse have occurred since the Euros began. Anna Hemmings, chief executive at GamCare, said: “The vast majority of those reaching out for help are gambling online. The experiences of our helpline callers and our research consistently shows this to be an area of concern for us and people that use our services.” “Our latest helpline and treatment data shows online gambling has increased over the pandemic and we will certainly be monitoring this trend to see if it continues as lockdown is lifted,” she added. Before Euro 2020 started, former England footballer Karen Carney MBE highlighted the dangers that women faced with gambling harm during the tournament. Carney, who is England women’s third most capped player, has sparked conversation over gambling issues through TalkBanStop, which brings together gambling support charities including GamCare.