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Nationwide Building Society reported a 9% year over year increase in total customer gambling spend during January, alongside a 7% rise in gambling related transactions. The figures highlight accelerating betting activity in the UK as major sporting events approach.
The lender released the data Friday alongside survey findings that show strong expectations for further growth in 2026.
Good to Know
Survey data collected from 2,000 UK gamblers by Censuswide showed that the top 10% of spenders wagered an average of £745 per month.
Looking ahead, 68% of current gamblers said they plan to increase betting activity in 2026. A busy sports calendar appears to be the primary catalyst.
The FIFA Men World Cup was cited by 59% of respondents as a key driver of betting activity. The Champions League attracted 34%, while the Champions League final accounted for 30%. Royal Ascot was named by 20% of participants as a wagering focus.
Motivation extends beyond sports outcomes. 53% said entertainment drives their gambling behavior. 46% pointed to the thrill of winning. 18% identified boredom as their main reason for betting.
Financial pressure also surfaced in the findings. 17% said they needed additional money to pay essential bills. 6% reported that gambling had negatively affected their standard of living.
Nationwide also highlighted limited awareness of consumer safeguards. 19% of gamblers said they were unaware that banks and building societies provide gambling blocks that restrict betting transactions at account level.
Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability at Nationwide, stressed the importance of early intervention. She said:
“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.”
Nationwide reported a 9% year over year increase in January.
Gambling related transactions increased 7%.
The top 10% reported average monthly gambling of £745.
The FIFA Men World Cup, Champions League matches, and Royal Ascot were cited most frequently.
19% said they were unaware that banks offer account level gambling blocks.