Eight in ten gamblers aged 18-24 (83%) will bet more frequently in 2026 due to major sporting events like the World Cup, with a quarter (25%) doing so to help cover essential bills, according to new research from Nationwide.
By comparison, less than half (37 per cent) of over-those over 55 expect to gamble more.
As the cost of living continues to put pressure on finances, the poll of 2,000 UK gamblers reveals a striking generational divide ahead of this summer’s tournament, which starts with Mexico kicking off against South Africa on Thursday, 11 June.
Nationwide, commissioned the research to better understand the impact of major sporting events on gambling habits, with young people found to be particularly vulnerable.
The findings reveal that harm is already being felt – nearly one in five 18–24-year-olds (18%) say they gamble because they feel “addicted” – around nine times the rate among over-55s (2%), while one in four (25%) gamble to make more money to pay essential bills, compared with just seven per cent of over-55s.
In total, 77 per cent of 18-24 year-olds said gambling has had some negative impact on their life, against 20 per cent of over-55s. One in five (20%) felt guilty or ashamed after gambling, 16 per cent felt stressed or anxious, and 13 per cent had spent money on gambling that was meant for essential bills or living costs.
The gambling gender split:
The research also shows how men in general are driving the betting surge, with over three-quarters (76%) set to gamble more frequently in 2026, compared with six in ten (60%) women. Among those planning to bet more, nearly six in ten (59%) respondents makes the World Cup the biggest draw when considering major sporting events, well ahead of the Champions League (34%) and Royal Ascot (20%).
London leads, Yorkshire resists:
When looking at gambling habits across the UK, the figures reveal a regional divide. London leads with 80 per cent of London gamblers expecting to bet more frequently in 2026 due to major sporting events, followed by the West Midlands (79%) and the North West (74%). Yorkshire and the Humber records the lowest figure at 59 per cent (see regional breakdown in Notes to Editors).
Support available:
Encouragingly, 92 per cent of 18-24s know that most banks and building societies offer gambling blocks to help control spend. The research revealed three-quarters (74%) have previously used a block, compared to just 22 per cent of over-55s. Of the 18-24 year-olds who have used a gambling block, 59 per cent said it prevented them from gambling further. Nationwide’s gambling block includes a deliberate 72-hour cooling-off period once the block is applied, before gambling transactions can take place.
Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability for Nationwide, said: “Major sporting events bring people together and we know most will enjoy the World Cup responsibly – but our research shows a clear generational divide, with nearly one in five young gamblers describing themselves as addicted and a quarter of this group saying they’re gambling to help pay essential bills – which is of concern. No one should feel they have to face gambling harm alone. At Nationwide we urge customers to get in touch with us, help is available, without judgement, whenever they need it.”
Raminta Diliso, Senior Partnerships Manager for GamCare, said: “Sporting events like the World Cup often see a spike in betting activity and we know the challenges it presents for those experiencing gambling harm. We’re particularly concerned about young adults who may be at-risk this summer, with more games and overnight fixtures offering more opportunities to gamble. We urge anyone struggling with gambling to make use of bank gambling blocks, such as Nationwide’s, and contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 for free support.”
