The legalization of betting on football has been somewhat effective in curbing illegal betting on the sport. However, it has also resulted in more people taking up the activity. Many youngsters, particularly during the World Cup, have started gambling on football.香港政府實行足球博彩規範化，讓馬會合法經營。賭風不但未能遏止，不少青少年更沉迷賭海。世界盃來臨，賭波熱潮將會席捲全城。有賭徒指出，外圍賭波集團給予優惠，較馬會的條件優勝，以賭制賭的做法是不設實際的。馬會在五年內捐款給「平和基金」，該基金主要資助兩間賭徒輔導中心。資源缺乏，明愛展晴中心有很多求助個案，都愛莫能助。
