Nationwide Reports Rise in UK Betting Ahead of Major 2026 Sports Events

Fresh banking data has revealed a steady rise in betting activity across the UK, with the country’s highest-spending gamblers parting with hundreds of pounds each month as a packed sporting calendar looms.

Two-Thirds of Respondents Plan to Bet More in 2026

Figures released by Nationwide Building Society show that the value of gambling payments made by its customers climbed by 9% in January compared with the same month a year earlier. The number of individual transactions also moved higher, with a 7% increase year on year.

Among those who gamble most, spending is higher. Internal analysis from last autumn shows that the top tenth of customers by gambling outlay spend an average of GBP 745 ($992) per month.

The upward trend comes as 2026 shapes up to be a bumper year for sport. Research carried out among 2,000 people who place bets suggests more than two-thirds intend to increase their wagering over the coming months. Soccer is expected to have a significant role in that activity, with respondents pointing to the FIFA World Cup as a key driver. Other events mentioned include the UEFA Champions League and Royal Ascot, alongside rugby and cricket tournaments.

While gambling stays manageable for many, support services are seeing growing demand. GamCare, which runs the National Gambling Helpline, logged more than 105,000 contacts during 2025. In January alone, referrals to structured treatment and peer-support programs jumped compared with the previous year, climbing by half.

One in Five Turn to Betting to Cover Bills, Survey Finds

Survey findings point to behaviors connected to potential harm. A minority of respondents admitted they feel compelled to keep betting after losses, while others said gambling has damaged relationships or lowered their standard of living. One in five were found to be using betting to try to cover essential household costs.

Nationwide’s head of customer vulnerability, Kathryn Townsend, pointed out that the busy sporting schedule could add pressure on some individuals. She highlighted the need for early intervention and mentioned that the mutual introduced stronger safeguards in 2024, including account-level gambling blocks that require a 72-hour cooling-off period before being lifted. According to the building society, more than 10,000 such blocks are activated each month.

That said, awareness remains uneven. Almost 20% of those surveyed did not realize banks can restrict gambling payments. Among customers who knew about the option, around half had used it, with many reporting that it helped them curb further spending.

GamCare representatives warned that gambling-related difficulties are often hidden but can have serious financial and emotional consequences. They urged anyone struggling to seek help, whether through bank tools, self-exclusion schemes, or by contacting the National Gambling Helpline.