World Cup: Fed rep shares safer gambling advice

22 June 2026

Hertfordshire Police Federation representative James Stopford is encouraging members to be mindful of their gambling habits during the World Cup.

James has posted a series of tips to help colleagues stay in control of their betting during one of the major sporting events.

In a social media post, James highlighted how major sporting events can lead to increased gambling activity and encouraged people to take simple steps to stay in control.

He posted: “Bookmakers are all going to be fighting for your business and it'll be a significantly busy, and profitable, time for them all.

“Here are three tips ahead of this year's tournament.

Hertfordshire Police Federation representative James Stopford.

“Set a deposit limit. Through Safer Gambling initiatives, all bookmakers should offer deposit limits. These can be set to be daily/weekly/monthly or yearly and when turned on will be restricted behind a time limit before being turned back off.

“Opt out of marketing. Again, bookmakers should offer an option to turn off emails, texts and/or push notifications. With multiple games a day every bookmaker will be trying to reach customers by offering increased prices. If this constant approach is going to be too much, turn them off.

“Think of something you can buy with the money saved from not gambling.

Money saved

“Have an end goal following the tournament that you want to treat yourself to and then use the money saved from not gambling to reward yourself to that purchase.

“This can be something small, it doesn't have to be a large purchase but know that you have achieved something more than an empty wallet when the tournament ends.”

He also reminded members that support is available for anyone who may be struggling.

James said: “There are support networks who can help with gambling and we have a fantastic wellbeing team in Hertfordshire.

Addiction

“Addiction is a cruel disease that can impact anyone from any background so please speak up if you are struggling and get the support needed.”

James’s World Cup message forms part of a wider gambling-awareness drive, which aims to encourage members to think carefully about their relationship with gambling.

He said: “I've been sharing messages on LinkedIn and internally through Yammer

“Hopefully, they get people thinking and perhaps looking at their own gambling levels.

“To know people are seeing the posts and engaging with them is great.

“If one of those people has paused and thought about whether they are gambling a bit too much then it’s job done."

READ MORE: Hertfordshire Fed introduces weekend shifts.