Nationwide Reports Rise in Gambling Spend as Major Sporting Events Loom

Nationwide Building Society has revealed that the total amount spent by its customers on gambling increased by 9% year-on-year in January, with the number of gambling-related transactions climbing 7%, according to figures published by the lender on Friday. The data, based on responses from a representative sample of 2,000 UK gamblers, also showed that the top 10% of spenders wagered an average of around £745 per month.

The survey, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Nationwide, indicates that gambling activity could intensify further in 2026. Some 68% of current gamblers said they expect to increase their betting this year, citing a packed schedule of high-profile sporting events as a key driver.

Among the events anticipated to fuel betting activity, the men’s FIFA World Cup was singled out by 59% of respondents. The UEFA Champions League and the Champions League final were also named by 34% and 30% respectively, while 20% pointed to Royal Ascot as a significant draw for wagering this year.

Beyond sport, the poll found that motivations for gambling were often linked to leisure and excitement. Entertainment was cited by 53% of respondents as their primary reason for betting, while 46% said they were motivated by the thrill of winning. A further 18% attributed their gambling mainly to boredom.

However, the findings also exposed financial pressures among some participants. Seventeen per cent said they gambled because they needed additional money to cover essential bills, and 6% acknowledged that gambling had negatively affected their standard of living.

Nationwide highlighted what it described as a concerning lack of awareness around protective banking tools. Approximately 19% of gamblers surveyed were unaware that banks and building societies typically offer gambling blocks on customer accounts to help control spending.

Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability at Nationwide, underlined the importance of preventative action. “With a year of major sporting events ahead, we’re concerned that more people could find themselves gambling more than they can afford. That’s why early identification and strong safeguards matter,” she said.

Echoing these concerns, charity GamCare warned that gambling-related harm often extends beyond finances, contributing to mental health difficulties and relationship breakdowns. The organization reported that its National Gambling Helpline experienced a 48% rise in referrals in January compared with the same period in 2025.

Wider industry and government statistics suggest gambling participation across Great Britain remains significant, with nearly half of adults reporting some form of gambling activity in 2024. An October report further noted that 42% of adults who had gambled in the previous 12 months described the experience as positive, while 21% said it had been negative.

By fLEXI tEAM