World Cup fuels surge in online betting among Argentine adolescents

The Fundación Familia Saludable warned that online betting among children and teenagers has risen sharply during the FIFA World Cup. Representatives Miriam Hoffmann and Eduardo Palacios said the tournament’s expanded format – from 64 matches in Qatar 2022 to 104 matches this year – has amplified exposure, noting that “the bets have tripled or quadrupled.” They highlighted that “today eight out of ten minors are betting” and that the line between games and gambling is blurring, with platforms offering bets on first goals, yellow cards, and total goals.

The foundation emphasized that gambling problems are now appearing as early as age 13, shifting from an issue previously seen in people over 50. They urged families to engage in dialogue, monitor virtual wallets, and teach children that effort, not chance, determines success. The experts called for greater awareness of how sports idols are used to promote betting apps, which can entice young fans to wager with virtual currencies or points.

The alert comes as the World Cup captures global attention, raising concerns that its excitement may inadvertently encourage risky gambling behaviors among Argentine youth.