Keeping It Fun During the FIFA World Cup
This summer, the world will come together for the biggest stage in soccer.
From neighborhood parks and crowded living rooms to restaurants, watch parties, and packed stadiums around the globe, millions of fans will celebrate the energy, heartbreak, pride, and joy of the FIFA World Cup. Families will gather. Communities will cheer together. Every goal, save, and unforgettable moment will become part of a shared global experience.
But long before the crowds, trophies, and world-class stadiums, there was just the game.
A ball at your feet. A dream in your head. Early mornings. Endless practice. Victories and losses. The pursuit of greatness.
For many players and fans, soccer represents more than competition. It is community.
2026 FIFA World Cup
As millions of fans around the world prepare to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) is encouraging Washington residents to keep the focus on community, connection, and enjoyment of the game while recognizing the growing visibility of sports betting during major international sporting events.
The FIFA World Cup is expected to become one of the largest sports betting events in history, with industry projections estimating approximately $150.0 billion in global wagers tied to the tournament. To put that figure into perspective, projected World Cup betting activity exceeds the annual national economies of countries including Morocco, Cuba, Slovakia, and Ukraine.
From restaurants and watch parties to mobile apps, workplaces, and gatherings among friends and family, betting activity during the World Cup often extends beyond regular sports bettors to include casual fans and first-time participants drawn in by the excitement surrounding the tournament.
The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling’s “Keep It Fun” campaign encourages sports fans to enjoy the excitement, passion, and community surrounding the World Cup while also understanding the risks that can emerge when gambling stops feeling entertaining and begins creating pressure, stress, or financial harm.
ECPG encourages fans to:
- Set limits before betting and stick to them
- Only gamble with money set aside for entertainment
- Avoid chasing losses during emotional moments in matches
- Enjoy the game itself, not just the wager
- Stay connected with friends, family, and community
- Know where to find help if gambling starts becoming overwhelming
The campaign also highlights the importance of recognizing warning signs and encouraging conversations around gambling-related harm during a time when sports betting promotions, mobile access, and social betting activity tend to increase significantly.
For more than 35 years, the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling has worked to increase awareness of gambling-related harm, strengthen prevention efforts, and connect individuals and families to support services throughout Washington State.
If gambling stops feeling fun, support is here.
Call, text, or chat the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling’s 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-547-6133.
Learn more at keepitfunwa.org – ECPG Sports Betting Awareness
This World Cup, celebrate every goal, every save, and keep it fun.
