Somerset Council wants to raise awareness of gambling harms during this summer’s international football tournament.
During major sporting tournaments, gambling companies increase their marketing activity, with many adverts promoting free bets or financial incentives designed to encourage participation.
The “Odds Are They Win” campaign aims to help people understand how gambling products and marketing can contribute to harm and encourage anyone affected to seek support.
How gambling harm can affect people
- Gambling harm can affect anyone, at any time.
- It can impact mental health, relationships, finances, work and family life.
Challenging stigma and encouraging support
The campaign highlights that gambling-related harm is not a personal failing but is often linked to highly addictive products and persistent advertising.
One of the biggest barriers preventing people from seeking help is stigma. The campaign’s message is clear: it is not your fault, you are not alone, and support is available.
Councillor urges residents to seek help
Councillor Evie Potts-Jones, Somerset Council’s Lead member for SEND, Public Health and Equality and Diversity, said:
Major sporting events should be an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the game, but for some they can also bring increased pressure to gamble.
The sheer volume of gambling advertising during tournaments can make it difficult for people to avoid. We want residents to know that gambling harm can affect anyone and that support is available without judgement.
By supporting the Odds Are They Win campaign, we are helping to raise awareness of the realities of gambling harm, challenge stigma and encourage anyone who may be struggling, or concerned about a loved one, to seek help.
How organisations can get involved
The Odds Are They Win campaign was first developed in Manchester in 2022 and has been refreshed for this summer’s international football tournament with input from people with lived experience of gambling harm.
Local organisations, community groups, health services and employers are encouraged to support the campaign.
They can help by sharing the campaign’s messages and resources throughout the tournament.
Support available
Free and confidential support is available through The South West Gambling Service on 0330 022 3175 or Ara Recovery For All on 0330 1340 286.
Anyone experiencing immediate mental health distress can contact NHS 111 and select option 2 or call 999 in an emergency.
