As the FIFA Club World Cup concludes, gambling advocates are highlighting potential challenges for problem gamblers.
CONNECTICUT, USA — The FIFA Club World Cup may be over, but safety advocates say the end of the tournament could create challenges for people struggling with problem gambling.
Over the course of 104 matches, the tournament featured 308 goals and generated an estimated $60 billion in sports betting worldwide. With Spain taking home the trophy, there are no more World Cup matches for bettors to wager on.
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The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling is reminding sports fans of resources after World Cup
Paul Tarboux with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling said many bettors relied on their own understanding of the game when placing wagers.
“Everybody unfortunately thinks they are qualified to be a coach and they make wagers based on their individual knowledge,” Tarboux said.
Tarboux believes Connecticut’s limited knowledge of or connection to the sport, along with the vast variety of players, may have kept calls to the council’s helpline lower this summer.
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Nationally, however, sports betting experts have compared the tournament’s betting activity to the equivalent of 10 Super Bowls.
Tarboux said people with gambling addictions are often looking for another opportunity to place a bet, no matter if they are a fan of the sport.
“Someone that has a gambling addiction will essentially look for any opportunity to bet,” Tarboux said.
He said major tournaments such as March Madness and the World Cup can present unique challenges because of their repetitive schedule.
The tournament’s knockout format can also lead some gamblers to rely on the next game as an opportunity to recover losses until there are no more games left to bet on.
Anyone who needs help can call the free and confidential hotline through the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling 1-888-789-7777.
Victoria Anderson is a Multi-Skilled Journalist at FOX61 News. She can be reached at vanderson@fox61.com. Follow her on X and Instagram.
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