Young adults at risk as World Cup fuels gambling surge

Nearly one in four young gamblers are betting in an attempt to pay essential bills, while almost one in five describe themselves as addicted, according to new research published by Nationwide ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The survey of 2,000 UK gamblers found that 83 per cent of those aged 18-24 expect to gamble more frequently because of major sporting events in 2026, compared with 37 per cent of over-55s.

The research highlighted significant gambling-related harms among younger adults. Eighteen per cent of 18-24-year-old gamblers said they gamble because they feel “addicted”, around nine times the rate reported by over-55s (2 per cent). A quarter (25 per cent) said they gamble to make more money to pay essential bills, compared with seven per cent of older gamblers.

Overall, 77 per cent of young adults said gambling had negatively affected their lives. One in five (20 per cent) reported feeling guilty or ashamed after gambling, while 16 per cent experienced stress or anxiety. Thirteen per cent said they had used money intended for essential bills or living costs on gambling.

Nationwide said major sporting events can increase gambling activity, particularly among younger people. Men were also more likely than women to say they would gamble more frequently during major sporting events.

Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide’s Head of Customer Vulnerability, said: “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.”

The study also found that 74 per cent of 18-24-year-olds had used a gambling block provided by their bank or building society. Of those, 59 per cent said it had prevented them from gambling further.