UK building society flags 9% rise in gambling spending

Nationwide found that 68 per cent expect to increase their betting activity in 2026, citing the busy sporting schedule as a key driver.

UK.- Nationwide Building Society reported a 9 per cent increase in the overall value of gambling spend by its customers in January, compared with the same month last year. The number of gambling-related transactions also grew, rising 7 per cent year-on-year.

The news comes after the British Gambling Commission reported that the sector generated £4.3bn in gross gambling yield (GGY) in the quarter from July to September 2025, a 6.6 per cent year-on-year increase. The expansion was driven largely by remote platforms, while overall participation levels across the country remained steady.

Nationwide’s data shows that the top 10 per cent of gambling spenders wagered on average £745 per month. The building society also commissioned a survey of 2,000 gamblers, which found that 68 per cent expect to increase their betting activity in 2026, citing the busy sporting schedule as a key driver.

While Nationwide noted that most of its customers managed their gambling responsibly, it urged them to remain alert to signs of problem gambling, particularly with a packed calendar of major sporting events ahead, including the FIFA World Cup.

Like many financial providers, Nationwide offers customers the option to apply gambling blocks on accounts. However, its survey highlighted that 19 per cent of gamblers remain unaware that such tools are available through banks and building societies.

Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability at Nationwide, warned: “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.”