As World Cup fever builds, sports betting often becomes a more common activity.A survey of more than 2,100 people commissioned by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) found that 12% of people are likely to place a bet on a World Cup match.Among those who regularly bet on football, almost half (44%) said they stake more than £5 on a single game, while 15% reported that they wager £10 or more.(Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire)The survey also revealed that more than a third (36%) of those who regularly bet place bets at least once a week.With betting becoming increasingly widespread, concerns about gambling habits can create stress and anxiety for families.If you’re worried about a loved one’s betting behaviour, here are some expert tips on how to approach the situation and offer support…Choose the right time“Choose the right moment,” recommends Kanny (Gonzalo) Sanchez, lead therapist for Priory’s Flourish addiction treatment services. “If emotions are running pretty high, then it may not necessarily be a good time to have this conversation.“Try not to bring it up when they’ve just lost a big bet, or when they’re actively watching a game, or when they’re feeling angry because it’s very unlikely that they will listen to reason when emotional.“I would recommend having the conversation outside of these moments.”(Alamy/PA)Highlight any behaviour changes“I think the first conversation to have is about any behavioural changes that you have observed,” suggests Marcantonio Spada, chief clinical officer at mental health provider Onebright.“For example, you might have noticed changes in their mood or the fact they have started to neglect certain responsibilities, so try to centre conversations around these observed changes in behaviour.”Express how you feel using I statements“Try to own the statements that you make by adding the word I,” recommends Sanchez. “For example, say ‘I feel very scared and very anxious when I see you get so upset about these matches’.“Using these I statements makes it more personal and helps structure your feedback on your feelings.”(Alamy/PA)Validate their feelings“Try to reduce the stigma around it by getting the person to feel like you understand what they’re going through,” advises Sanchez.“Validation is a really good skill because when someone feels validated, their defences will go down and they will be a lot more likely to listen to you.”Avoid outright bans “When we tell people not to do something, there’s often a rebound effect. So rather than saying to a person ‘you cannot do this or you should not do this’, instead ask them to think about the benefits and costs of continuing that behaviour and the benefits and costs of stopping that behaviour,” recommends Spada.Direct them to useful resources“If they are actually aware of their gambling and actively trying to not engage with [it], you could recommend helpful apps like Gamstop,” suggests Sanchez.“It’s a free and you can block yourself from all of the licensed online betting and gambling companies for a set period of time.“You can also direct them to the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.”Think about the environment“The environment that you create can make quite a big impact,” says Sanchez. “Try to create an environment where you can all watch the football together without betting and you could even suggest a device-free environment during the matches.”Protect your finances“Create separate bank accounts, put control systems on and change your passwords to help set boundaries. This will also help ensure any further financial loss is limited to the individual,” recommends Spada.Check your credit score and talk to your bank“Keep an eye on your credit score and on any unauthorised loans that might have been taken out,” advises Sanchez. “Sometime people actually take out small loans here and there to be able to keep placing these bets and to pay off things. Therefore, taking action and speaking to your bank could be a good idea if you have any joint accounts or saving accounts that you are concerned about.”Advise them to speak to a professional(Alamy/PA)“This is often a very difficult conversation to have with the individuals that are closest to you, because the paradox is that the closer people are to us, sometimes the less likely we are to disclose what’s upsetting us,” says Spada.“So, it can be much easier to share things with a neutral individual because we don’t feel judged as much as we might be by a father, mother, partner, friend. Therefore, it might be helpful to say ‘maybe it’s time for you to meet somebody and to discuss what’s going on, you don’t need to tell me directly, but something is going on, and it’s affecting our relationship etc’.”