Odds Are: They Win – first developed in Manchester in 2022 and refreshed with input from people with lived experience for this summer’s tournament – highlights how the betting industry operates, so that anyone experiencing harm feels able to seek support.
Odds Are: They Win says that during major sporting events such as the World Cup, fans are targeted relentlessly: more than half of televised gambling ads feature free bets or financial incentives, and 6 in 10 people in the UK see gambling ads at least once a week. Meanwhile, the industry keeps £16.8 billion a year from customer losses.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Gambling harm can affect anyone, at any time. It is driven by addictive products and marketing designed to keep people gambling and spending.
“As the World Cup brings a wave of gambling advertising into homes across Wolverhampton, we want to emphasise the Odds Are: They Win message that it’s not your fault, you are not alone, and help is available.”
People can get help and support through NHS Gambling Clinics via West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic or via free and confidential support, 24 hours a day through the National Gambling Helpline, 0808 8020 133, with live chat and WhatsApp also available. GamFam offers peer support for affected family and friends, and the NHS National Centre for Behavioural Addictions takes self referrals. If someone is in immediate distress, NHS 111 (option 2) and 999 are there at any hour.
