The hidden costs of the major tournaments: gambling, debt and domestic abuse

For millions of fans, major football tournaments like the World Cup are a time of excitement, celebration and national pride. Friends and families gather to watch matches, pubs fill with supporters, and communities come together behind their teams.

But beneath the excitement lies a darker reality. Research shows that major football tournaments can be linked to rising levels of domestic abuse, gambling harm and financial difficulties, leaving many people facing challenges long after the final whistle has blown.

The link between football and domestic abuse

Studies have found a troubling rise in domestic abuse incidents during major international tournaments.

Research by Lancaster University analysed domestic abuse reports recorded by Lancashire Constabulary during the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups. The findings showed incidents of domestic abuse increased by:

• 38% when England played and lost
• 26% when England played and won or drew
• 11% on the day after an England match

The average number of reported domestic abuse incidents rose from 58.2 on days when England didn’t play to 79.3 on match days. Cases also remained elevated the following day, averaging 70.5 incidents.

The study also found that reports increased when England matches were played at weekends.

Separate research from the University of Warwick highlighted the role alcohol can play during tournaments, finding that an England victory in an international competition was followed by a 47% increase in reported alcohol-related domestic abuse cases.

These findings have prompted charities and campaigners to raise awareness of the issue. Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown (Mel B), herself a survivor of domestic abuse, has supported campaigns highlighting the increase in abuse reports during major football tournaments. One such initiative is domestic abuse charity I Choose Freedom's Unspoken Stat campaign.

Where does gambling fit in?

Alongside increases in domestic abuse reports, major football tournaments also trigger spikes in gambling activity.

According to figures from the Money and Pensions Service, almost one in eight UK adults are expected to place a bet during the FIFA World Cup. While many gamble without experiencing problems, major sporting events can create conditions that increase the risk of gambling-related harm.

The connection is hardly surprising.

Football and betting have become closely connected, with gambling promotions appearing across television broadcasts, social media, apps and sponsorship deals.

Research from the University of Sheffield found that television gambling advertising influenced betting behaviour during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The study showed that betting frequency was up to 24% higher during matches broadcast on channels showing gambling adverts compared with matches shown on channels without them.

Lead researcher Ellen McGrane warned that current gambling restrictions may not provide sufficient protection for those most at risk.

"A substantial body of evidence shows that when gambling participation rises at a population level, gambling-related harm also increases," she told the BBC.

When gambling leads to harm

Major tournaments can create the perfect storm for risky gambling behaviour.

Intense emotions, alcohol consumption, social pressure and the desire to back a favourite team can encourage people to place more bets than they normally would. Constant advertising can further normalise gambling, making it feel like an essential part of the football experience.

For some, what starts as a few small bets can quickly escalate.

The consequences often extend far beyond money. Gambling-related harm can affect mental health, relationships, family life and employment. Financial difficulties can create significant stress within households, leading to conflict and relationship breakdown.

Research highlighted by Tackling Gambling Stigma found that gambling-related financial, emotional and relationship pressures can be a key contributor to domestic abuse.

Some people reported already being in abusive relationships before developing gambling problems, but said the abuse worsened as gambling losses increased. Partners and children also described experiencing economic abuse, including increased control over household finances as gambling debts mounted.

The debt behind the bets

At Money Wellness, we regularly see the financial impact gambling can have on people's lives.

Between May 2025 and May 2026, 442 people who contacted us by telephone disclosed that they were struggling with a gambling problem.

Behind every number is a person facing real challenges, often dealing with debt, stress and secrecy. Sam was one of them.

Sam's story: from gambling debt to recovery

Sam started gambling around ten years ago and quickly became hooked on the excitement it provided. What began as occasional bets on roulette escalated into a serious problem, leaving her with more than £20,000 in debt across credit cards and unpaid care home fees.

The financial pressure eventually took a severe toll on her mental health, and she reached a point where she felt completely overwhelmed.

Her turning point came when she opened up about her gambling and was referred to Money Wellness for debt advice. Working with advisers helped her fully understand the scale of her debts, create a realistic budget and take control of her finances.

Sam says she has not gambled since and is no longer living with the stress and secrecy that once dominated her life.

Her message to anyone struggling is to talk to someone.

“Making that first step is really hard, but once someone knows, they’re there beside you. They want to help you. And just having that one person - it’s such a big step, but it’s the most important step you’ll do.”

Help is available

If gambling is affecting your finances, relationships or mental wellbeing, you don't have to face it alone.

The NHS offers specialist gambling treatment services, including support from psychiatrists and psychologists who can help people recover from gambling addiction and address related mental health challenges.

Other organisations providing free and confidential support include:

• National Gambling Helpline (GamCare): 0808 8020 133
• Betknowmore UK
• Gamblers Anonymous UK

You can also take practical steps immediately, such as using GAMSTOP to self-exclude from all GB-licensed gambling websites.

At Money Wellness, we provide free, confidential debt advice and can help you find specialist support if gambling has contributed to your financial difficulties.

Major football tournaments should be remembered for unforgettable goals and shared celebrations, not financial hardship, gambling harm or domestic abuse. If gambling is affecting your life, reaching out for support today could be the first step towards a brighter future.