9% Annual Increase in Customer Gambling Spend

Nationwide Building Society has issued a warning over potential increases in gambling-related harm after new data revealed a 9% year-on-year rise in customer gambling spend.

The lender expects that figure to climb further in 2026 as a packed sporting calendar unfolds, headlined by the FIFA Men’s World Cup alongside major betting events including the The Masters, the French Open and the UEFA Champions League.

Transaction volumes were up 7% compared to the previous year. More notably, one in 10 bettors spent an average of £745 per month on gambling activity.

Safeguards and Cooling-Off Period

Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Nationwide, expressed concern about the potential impact of the sporting schedule.

She emphasised the building society’s 72-hour cooling-off period attached to its gambling block feature, designed to provide an additional safeguard for customers who wish to restrict gambling transactions.

Townsend noted that gambling can be emotionally charged and stressed the importance of early intervention and accessible support for those experiencing harm.

Support Services See Sharp Rise in Demand

The warning follows new figures from GamCare, which operates the National Gambling Helpline.

In 2025, the helpline received 105,765 contacts from individuals seeking support. In January 2026 alone, 996 referrals were made to treatment and peer-support services — representing a 48% increase year-on-year.

GamCare highlighted that major sporting tournaments can act as triggers for individuals vulnerable to gambling harm.

Survey Reveals Spending Motivations and Risks

Nationwide surveyed 2,000 gamblers and found that:

  • 68% expect to bet more in 2026 due to the busy sporting calendar
  • 59% cited the World Cup as the main driver
  • 34% pointed to the Champions League
  • 30% highlighted the Champions League Final
  • 20% referenced Royal Ascot

When asked about motivations:

  • 53% said gambling was for entertainment and enjoyment
  • 46% cited excitement or the “thrill to win”
  • 18% blamed boredom
  • 17% said they gambled to try to generate money to pay essential bills

Behavioural warning signs were also evident:

  • 1 in 10 bettors felt compelled to place another bet after losing
  • 8% said they do not always feel in control
  • 6% reported personal tension or conflict caused by gambling
  • 6% said gambling had negatively impacted their standard of living

Awareness Gap Around Banking Blocks

The research also uncovered a lack of awareness around protective banking tools:

  • 19% of respondents were unaware that banks offer gambling transaction blocks
  • Of those aware, 50% had activated a block
  • 56% of users said the feature had prevented them from gambling further

GamCare reiterated that gambling harm often remains hidden but can lead to serious financial, mental health and relationship challenges. The charity encouraged consumers to use banking blocks and seek support through the National Gambling Helpline where needed.

Increased Scrutiny During High-Profile Sporting Year

With a high-profile sporting summer ahead, financial institutions and support organisations are preparing for heightened demand.

Nationwide’s data suggests that while gambling remains entertainment-led for most participants, a significant minority are displaying behaviours associated with financial strain and loss of control — reinforcing calls for stronger safeguards and greater consumer awareness during major sporting events.