Nationwide is warning of rising gambling-related harm as new figures show increased spending, while research suggests many Brits expect to bet more during a year packed with major sporting events.
Britain’s biggest building society recorded a nine per cent rise in gambling spend since last year, with transaction volumes also up seven per cent1. Figures show top ten per cent of gamblers spend an average of £745 per month2.
The warning comes as The National Gambling Helpline, operated by GamCare, received 105,765 contacts from people seeking support in 2025 and made 996 referrals to treatment and peer-based support services in January 2026, up from 674 in January 2025 – a 48 per cent increase year-on-year.
While gambling is well managed by most, Nationwide and GamCare are encouraging people to spot signs of problem gambling in order to protect themselves and others from harm. The warning comes in a year packed with major sporting events, including the FIFA Men’s World Cup, Six Nations rugby and T20 cricket World Cup.
A Nationwide survey of 2,000 gamblers found that 68 per cent expect to bet more in 2026 due to the busy sporting calendar. Football is set to drive most of this increase, with the FIFA Men’s World Cup (59%), the Champions League and Champions League final (34% and 30% respectively) and Royal Ascot (20%) cited as the top sporting events for higher betting activity.
To help people manage their gambling spend, Nationwide introduced enhanced controls in 2024, including self-set gambling blocks and frontline staff training. Data shows more than 10,0003 gambling blocks are applied each month.
The research reveals that nearly one in five gamblers (19%) are unaware that banks and building societies offer gambling blocks on accounts. However, of those who were aware half (50%) had used a block and 56% said it prevented them from gambling further.
According to the poll, the top reasons people gamble are entertainment and enjoyment (53%), excitement and thrill to win (46%), boredom (18%) and more worryingly to get more money to pay essential bills (17%). However, the research points to the impact gambling can have on people’s lives and wellbeing, including:
- 10% feel inclined to place another bet when an earlier one doesn’t go their way.
- 8% do not always feel in control when gambling.
- 6% say gambling had caused tension or conflict in their personal or family life.
- 6% say gambling has negatively affected their standard of living.
Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability for 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. 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.”
Raminta Diliso, Senior Partnerships Manager for GamCare, said: “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.”
Anyone worried about gambling can contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Signs of gambling harm
One of the challenges with a gambling addiction, as opposed to other harms such as alcohol or drug abuse, is that it can often be difficult to detect when a problem is at play. Common signs might include:
- Withdrawn: wanting to stay at home more frequently, needing to check their phone constantly to check the latest results as so much is riding on a bet.
- Changing mood: there could be noticeable changes to their mood and behaviour, including looking worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason.
- Sleeping problems: if someone is chasing losses and losing money they might not be sleeping. Anxiety or constant worrying can lead to people being up all hours.
- Financial signs: has money gone missing from bank accounts, or are they regularly short of money and are having to borrow more? There may also be more pressure to take loans out.
- Lying: this could include lying about what they’re doing with their time or asking for money to cover bills that could instead be for gambling.
