Karen Carney to Support TalkBanStop Campaign

The UEFA European Football Championship (Euros) kicks off today. As football being one of the most bet-on sports in the UK, online betting opportunities will be ramping up. So, gambling support charities GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP have relaunched their TalkBanStop campaign.

GamCare, which operates the National Gambling Helpline reveals that during and post major sporting events there is an increase in calls to the helpline. GamCare has also found that many women gamblers are not seeking support.

The TalkBanStop campaign brings together the three gambling support charities who together offer a combination of free tools to block access to gambling websites, to self-exclude from gambling accounts alongside support that will help those worried about their gambling to take back control.

The new campaign is being supported by former England footballer Karen Carney. Carney is aiming to generate conversation around the impact of gambling and encourage people to seek help through TalkBanStop.

Carney is aware of the prominence of gambling around football in particular and has seen first-hand the challenges that many women are facing. Women are more likely to hide their gambling from their significant others and are more likely to feel stigma and shame acutely, if they have gambling issues.

Karen Carney said: “Campaigns like TalkBanStop are so important in raising awareness of the free resources available to everyone out there, particularly women who have battled with gambling around sport. Ahead of the upcoming Euros, it is important we raise awareness of the support that is available.

“There is a stigma associated for women and challenges around speaking out and seeking help, so it’s key to highlight the link between gambling and sport to help these women and girls on their journey to recovery. The Euros are an exciting part of the global sporting calendar, but for some, it can prove to be a challenging time with heightened gambling opportunities as a result.”