Nationwide Building Society has warned of growing gambling-related harm after new data showed a rise in customer gambling transactions, with the top 10% of gamblers spending an average of £745 per month.
Meanwhile, support charity GamCare reported more than 105,000 contacts from people seeking help last year.
Transaction data from Nationwide shows gambling spending rose 9% year-on-year in January, reaching £224.6m compared with £205.3m in January 2025. Transaction volumes increased 7% over the same period.
It should be noted that the data assessed by Nationwide includes transactions around the National Lottery, widely considered to be much more lower risk than sports betting, casinos and iGaming.
Nonetheless, the banking giant is raising alarms after finding that 68% of gamblers expect to bet more in 2026, driven by a busy sporting calendar including the FIFA World Cup, the Six Nations Championship, Cheltenham Festival and the ICC T20 World Cup.
“With a year of major sporting events ahead, we’re concerned that more people could find themselves gambling more than they can afford,” said Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability for Nationwide.
“That’s why early identification and strong safeguards matter. At Nationwide, we know gambling can be a very emotionally charged activity, which is why we’ve deliberately built in a 72-hour cooling-off period for our gambling block – which offers an additional layer of protection and helps people to stay in control.
“No one should feel they have to face gambling harm alone – help is available, without judgement, whenever they need it.”
Bettors unaware of Nationwide banking tools
Football was cited as the main driver of increased betting, with 59% of respondents highlighting the World Cup, 34% the Champions League and 30% the Champions League Final as events likely to increase their gambling activity. Royal Ascot was also mentioned by 20% of respondents.
At the same time, GamCare reported that its National Gambling Helpline received 105,765 contacts in 2025 from individuals seeking support. In January 2026 alone, 996 referrals were made to treatment and peer-support services – up 48% from 674 referrals in January 2025.
Nationwide introduced enhanced gambling controls in 2024, including self-set gambling blocks and additional frontline staff training. The society said more than 10,000 gambling blocks are now applied each month.
However, research suggests awareness of these tools remains limited. Nearly one in five gamblers (19%) said they were unaware that banks and building societies offer gambling blocks.
Among those who were aware, half had used one and 56% said it prevented them from gambling further.
The Nationwide Survey findings also highlighted some concerning behavioural indicators about a small number of the British betting public.
While 53% of respondents said they gamble for entertainment and enjoyment and 46% for excitement, 17% said they gamble to get more money to pay essential bills.
Meanwhile, 10% said they feel inclined to place another bet after losing, 8% said they do not always feel in control when gambling and 6% reported that gambling had negatively affected personal relationships or standard of living.
Raminta Diliso, Senior Partnerships Manager for GamCare, added: “Gambling harm is often a very hidden issue but the problems it can cause people can be significant. Financial difficulties, mental health struggles and relationship challenges are all common impacts facing those who are struggling with gambling.
“In a year where big sporting events such as the World Cup may be a trigger for those impacted, we want people to know there are things people can do to reduce the impact gambling is having on them.
“Activating gambling blocks, such as the one offered by Nationwide, and contacting GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline for free are great steps if you are struggling.”
UK enters new era of harm prevention
The data comes at a pivotal moment in the UK’s fight to mitigate and prevent gambling addiction, not least because GambleAware – the UK’s commissioner of gambling harm research – is set to close its doors permanently at the end of this month.
Last month, the charity released its final legacy report before handing over responsibility to a trio of government-backed bodies – NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The charity was a particularly vocal proponent of seeing gambling recognised as a public health issue – an argument that has already found strong favour among MPs and local politicians in 2026.
However, it has also made clear that it is wary that the shift will mark a major change for research and harm prevention organisations after 24 years at the helm.
That shift is already becoming evident – last week, NHS Wales announced that it will launch its first dedicated specialist gambling treatment service and national helpline on 1 April, marking a major expansion of support for people affected by gambling-related harm.
Despite preventative measures being implemented, the Nationwide data still outlines a telling story for UK gambling and, while most are able to gamble safely and responsibly, some bettors encounter less entertaining and more harrowing situations.
Rising spending levels and increased engagement around major sporting events are prompting renewed calls for vigilance, early intervention and greater awareness of protective tools.
Anyone concerned about their gambling can contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 for free and confidential support.