Nationwide Study Highlights Increasing Impact of UK Gambling

New research about UK gambling from Nationwide sheds light on the impact of everyday gambling in the UK, revealing that over one in ten people (11%) gamble daily, while nearly one in three (28%) keep their gambling habits hidden from others.

One in five don't seek help

The survey of 2,000 people who gamble reveals that while nearly 63% place bets at least once a week, 23% do not set any time or money limits.

On average, individuals lost £351 over the past year, with 4% losing over £1,000 on a single bet. Alarmingly, nearly one in ten (9%) have lost money they depend on.

Even more concerning, one in five (20%) admit they would not seek help if their gambling became problematic.

Young people spend more

The research reveals that younger people are not only more likely to gamble daily but also tend to spend more money each month. Respondents aged 18–24 gamble an average of £118 per month, compared to the overall average of £81, and slightly more than the £113 spent by those aged 25–34.

While 23% of all respondents feel their gambling has spiraled out of control, this figure jumps to 45% among 18–24-year-olds and 37% among 25–34-year-olds.

Additionally, more than half (53%) of 18–24-year-olds and 44% of 25–34-year-olds admit to concealing their gambling habits from others.

Men lose larger sums

According to the survey, nearly three-quarters (73%) of male respondents gamble at least once a week, with 15% gambling daily. In comparison, 55% of female respondents gamble weekly, and 8% do so daily.

Men are also significantly more likely to lose larger sums, with the highest average loss on a single bet reaching £265 compared to £98 for women. This gender disparity extends to overall losses, with men losing an average of £467 last year, nearly double the £255 average for women.

Nationwide's role in UK gambling support

The research comes as Nationwide emphasizes the role of its gambling block in curbing impulsive gambling and promoting responsible gambling. The feature includes a 72-hour cooling-off period after deactivation, preventing spending with gambling merchants for long enough to cover a weekend of sporting events.

Nationwide is also the first financial services provider to join the Gambling Harms Action Lab, an initiative recently launched by The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute.

A UK gambling block

Nationwide remains committed to supporting vulnerable customers by offering a gambling block that can be activated via its mobile app, in branches, or over the phone.

Developed in partnership with the gambling charity GamCare, the block includes a 72-hour cooling-off period when deactivated, helping to minimize potential gambling-related harm. Through its collaboration with GamCare, Nationwide also provides customers with access to gambling support services, offering guidance to help them understand the potential impact on themselves, their families, and their friends.

Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Nationwide said on their website: “It’s heartbreaking that one in five people wouldn’t go to anyone for help if their gambling became a problem. People need to know support is available, without judgement, should they need it. We made a conscious decision to offer a gambling block with a 72-hour cooling off period to support customers making decisions that are right for them.”

Townsend added: “We are delighted to be the first financial services firm to join the Gambling Harms Action Lab and look forward to working alongside them and the wider industry to make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Financial services firms can help

The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute suggests nine key recommendations for financial services to better protect customers from gambling-related harm. Here are the top four:

1. Leverage transaction data: Use spending and behavioral indicators to identify customers at risk of or experiencing gambling harm, enabling earlier intervention before gambling becomes problematic.
2. Enhance existing tools: Strengthen and refine tools like Bank Gambling Blocks, spending limits, and budgeting features to offer more effective support.
3. Engage at-risk customers: Proactively communicate with customers identified as at risk, employing targeted messaging and testing interventions, tools, and messages developed with input from individuals with lived experience of gambling harm.
4. Incorporate awareness into customer journeys: Embed gambling harm awareness into the customer experience, encouraging the adoption of gambling management tools.

Nikki Bond, Head of the Gambling Harms Action Lab at the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute said on the Nationwide website: “Financial services firms are in a unique position to help those experiencing gambling harms and we’re delighted that Nationwide has joined the Gambling Harms Action Lab programme. The sector has taken positive steps in offering solutions to gambling harms for customers in recent years. Nationwide’s gambling block feature and its partnership with GamCare are good examples of that progress.

“Our Gambling Harms Action Lab is bringing together a group of current account providers to work together to solve common challenges, through the development of better support and tools with input from our Research Community of experts by experience at its heart. We welcome Nationwide’s commitment to developing new solutions for gambling harms.”

For further information about responsible gambling you can read our guides or call GamCare on 0808 8020 133.