Planning a Eurovision flutter? Don’t gamble more than you can afford

It’s that time of year again.

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final is happening tomorrow (17 May) in Basel, Switzerland.

And for many of us, that will mean having a casual flutter.

Even people who don’t gamble regularly can be tempted to place a bet when a big event comes around, from the Eurovision to the FA Cup Final.

But how many of us think of the financial cost?

According to a Nationwide poll, 80% of people admit to gambling more than they intended on a major event.

This was because of:

• good odds - 42%
• strong knowledge of the event - 33%
• excitement - 32%
• receiving a tip - 26%

Many people were also drawn by the prospect of a big win, with 43% saying this was the main attraction of betting on a high-profile event.

And despite the chances of the UK winning Eurovision being slim at best, 16% say they’re encouraged to gamble by a sense of national pride.

Big events tempt back people who’ve tried to quit gambling

Major, high-profile events are often seen as a fairly harmless option for occasional gamblers.

In fact, 36% said they’re tempted to bet on events like Eurovision because they feel it’s safer and less addictive than gambling games, such as bingo and online casinos.

But at the same time, they’re also tempting former gamblers who’ve now quit to have a flutter.

Figures showed that one in ten (10%) people who’ve tried to stop gambling were prompted to start again by high-profile events.

And worryingly, one in five (20%) people admitted they wouldn’t seek help if their gambling became a problem.

Gambling addiction seems to be a particularly big problem among younger adults.

More than half (57%) of 18 to 24-year-olds said they or someone they know has developed a gambling problem.

And one in two (50%) young adults who gamble said they hide their activity because they’re embarrassed, afraid of being judged or because their partner doesn’t approve.

“Gambling on big events, such as the Eurovision Song Contest, can be seen as fun and sociable,” said Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability at Nationwide.

“Whilst most people gamble safely, it’s important that people know if they are struggling with gambling, support is available without judgement if they need it.”

Are you struggling with gambling?

Gambling can harm many areas of your life, including your:

• relationships
• physical and mental health
• finances

Treatment and support groups are available if gambling is causing you problems.

The NHS has a number of specialist gambling treatment centres (as mentioned above). They have a team of psychiatrists and psychologists who can:

• treat you if gambling is causing you problems
• support with your recovery
• provide therapy for any complex health needs you have related to gambling
• support your family or friends if they need help

You can self-refer to a gambling clinic near your or ask a GP for information on services in your rea.

There are also charities and support groups that offer free, confidential support to people who are gambling, and their friends and family, such as.

• The National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) - 0808 8020 133 
• Betknowmore UK
• Gamblers Anonymous