Every Tenth Brit Gambles Daily

A study conducted by Nationwide revealed alarming trends: 11% of UK gamblers place bets daily, while 28% hide their gambling habits. Among the 2,000 respondents, 63% gamble at least once a week, and 23% set no limits on time or money spent.

Key Findings of the Study

On average, UK gamblers incur financial losses of £351 ($441) annually, with 4% reporting losses exceeding £1,000 on a single bet. Approximately 9% admitted to losing money needed for everyday essentials.

Younger people are particularly vulnerable: 45% of those aged 18 to 24 reported that their interest in gambling has turned into an addiction, while 53% hide their habits from others. Among men, 15% gamble daily compared to 8% of women.

Support from Nationwide

Nationwide has implemented a gambling block in its mobile app. This feature, developed in partnership with the charity GamCare, includes a 72-hour cooling-off period after the block is turned off, helping minimize impulsive gambling behaviors.

Nationwide also became the first financial institution to join the Gambling Harms Action Lab. This initiative aims to develop new tools to support individuals affected by the negative impacts of gambling.

Risks for Young Gamblers

The study revealed that young people spend more money on gambling each month compared to other age groups. For instance, those aged 18–24 spend an average of £118 per month, compared to £81 for others. Over half of young gamblers hide their habits from family and friends, fearing judgment.

These findings highlight the importance of strict gambling controls and support for vulnerable groups. Financial institutions like Nationwide play a key role in developing solutions to mitigate gambling harm. Without such measures, the number of people suffering from gambling addiction may continue to grow.