Nationwide Report Shows Top 10% of UK Gamblers Spend £745 Per Month

Nationwide Building Society has recorded a 9% year-on-year increase in the total value of customers’ gambling expenditure during January. The number of gambling-related transactions increased by 7% over the same period, according to data released by the lender.

Survey findings based on responses from 2,000 UK gamblers showed that the top 10% of spenders wagered an average of £745 per month.

Research conducted by Censuswide for Nationwide found that 68% of current gamblers expect to increase their betting activity in 2026. Respondents cited that the rise is driven by a packed schedule of major sporting events.

Major Sporting Calendar Expected to Fuel Activity

The men’s FIFA World Cup will likely stimulate 59% of betting activity, while the Champions League and the Champions League final account for 34% and 30% respectively.

Royal Ascot is also expected to drive 20% of the activity. Beyond sport, 53% of respondents stated that they gambled for entertainment, while 46% did this for the thrill to win. For 18% of respondents, it came down to boredom. 

Furthermore, 17% reported that they gambled for more money to pay essential bills, but 6% said gambling had negatively affected their standard of living.

Limited Awareness of Banking Safeguards

Nationwide highlighted that 19% of gamblers were unaware that banks and building societies often provide gambling block features on accounts.

Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability at Nationwide, 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.”

The lender indicated that proactive engagement with customers is central to its risk mitigation approach.

Support Services Report Increased Demand

Charity GamCare supported Nationwide’s concerns, noting that gambling problems often contribute to financial strain and mental health difficulties. The organisation reported that its National Gambling Helpline experienced a 48% rise in referrals in January compared with the previous year.

Broader industry and government statistics show that gambling participation in Great Britain remains widespread. Nearly half of adults reported some form of gambling activity in 2024.

An October report found that 42% of adults who had gambled in the previous 12 months described the experience as positive. However, 21% of respondents reported a negative experience.