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State of Play’s TL;DR
- The end of the World Cup can be a trigger for some sports bettors and people struggling with gambling addiction.
- That’s according to the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling.
According to the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG), a long, repetitive tournament schedule, like the recently ended 2026 FIFA World Cup, can reinforce betting behavior for people already at risk.
Paul Tarbox of the CCPG said some people with gambling addiction “will look for almost any opportunity to bet,” according to the report by Fox61.
The tournament included 104 games and 308 goals over 39 days, creating a steady run of betting opportunities.
Tournaments can have major impact on problem gamblers
Tarbox said formats such as the World Cup and March Madness can be especially difficult for some people concerning responsible gambling because bettors may keep looking to the next game as a chance to recover losses.
“You know, if someone that has gambling addiction, well, essentially look for almost any opportunity to bet.”
Fox61 pointed out that not all gambling sites are authorized for use in Connecticut, a reminder that matters for bettors looking for legal options after a major event ends.
For viewers seeking help, they can call the national, confidential 24/7 hotline at 1-800-RESET or contact the CCPG at (959) 230-4034 or online at www.ccpg.org.
Based on reporting by Fox61.
