Newly released figures from Nationwide Building Society point to rising gambling activity among its customers, with the top 10% of bettors now wagering an average of £745 each month. The data has prompted fresh warnings about the risks facing a small but vulnerable segment of the population.
The building society reported that gambling transactions climbed 9% year-on-year in January, reaching £224.6m compared with £205.3m in January 2025. The total number of transactions also increased by 7% over the same period.
It is worth noting that Nationwide’s figures include spending on the National Lottery, typically viewed as lower risk than online casinos, sports betting and other forms of iGaming. Even so, the bank expressed concern about the outlook for 2026, with 68% of surveyed gamblers saying they expect to increase their betting this year.
A packed sporting schedule appears to be a major driver. Events such as the FIFA World Cup, Six Nations Championship, Cheltenham Festival and the ICC T20 World Cup are all expected to boost betting volumes.
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide’s Head of Customer Vulnerability, said the organisation is particularly mindful of the risks posed by a year filled with high-profile competitions. She stressed the importance of identifying problems early and maintaining safeguards, highlighting the society’s 72-hour cooling-off period attached to its gambling block feature.
Support demand is also climbing. GamCare revealed that its National Gambling Helpline handled 105,765 contacts in 2025. In January 2026 alone, 996 people were referred to treatment or peer-support services, a 48% jump from 674 referrals in January last year.
Football is expected to generate the most betting activity, with 59% of respondents citing the World Cup as a trigger. The UEFA Champions League was mentioned by 34%, while 30% pointed specifically to the final. Meanwhile, 20% flagged Royal Ascot as a likely influence on their gambling.
Although Nationwide introduced stronger customer protections in 2024, including optional gambling blocks and additional staff training, awareness remains limited.
Nineteen per cent of gamblers surveyed said they did not know banks offer blocking tools. Among those who were aware, half had used one, and 56% said it stopped them from placing further bets.
The research also uncovered worrying behavioural patterns. While most respondents described gambling as entertainment (53%) or a source of excitement (46%), 17% admitted they gamble to raise money for essential bills. One in 10 said they feel compelled to place another bet after losing, 8% said they do not always feel in control, and 6% reported harm to relationships or their standard of living.
Raminta Diliso, Senior Partnerships Manager at GamCare, emphasised that gambling harm is often hidden but can lead to financial hardship, mental health challenges and strained relationships.
She encouraged those struggling to make use of banking tools such as gambling blocks and to seek free support through the National Gambling Helpline.
The findings arrive during a transitional period for gambling harm policy in the UK. GambleAware, long responsible for commissioning research into gambling-related harm, is due to close at the end of this month. Its responsibilities will transfer to NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and UK Research and Innovation.
The policy shift is already taking shape. NHS Wales recently confirmed it will launch its first specialist gambling treatment service and national helpline on 1 April, expanding support provision for those affected.
While the majority of UK customers continue to gamble without serious issues, Nationwide’s data suggests that a smaller group faces mounting financial and personal pressures.
With betting volumes expected to rise alongside major sporting events, banks and support organisations are urging greater awareness, early intervention and wider use of protective tools.
Anyone worried about their gambling can contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 for free, confidential assistance.