World Cup triggers gambling spike

With the 2026 World Cup kicking off, new research from Lowell shows that 43% of all gamblers increase their betting activity during major sporting events or tournaments. This rises to 50.6% among sports bettors specifically, with levels climbing to as high as two-thirds in certain cities.

Gambling can significantly impact personal finances, with many bettors dipping into essential funds to place wagers. As a result, they are often forced to find alternative ways to cover everyday expenses.

The survey found that 57% of those who bet have relied on at least one financial coping mechanism to support their lifestyle after gambling, rising sharply among younger adults, with 85% of 18-34-year-olds reporting they have done so, compared with just 12% of those aged 55 and over.

Gamblers who do experience financial strain often dip into money set aside for essential spending. Around a third of gambling Brits are more likely to draw on savings than miss rent or debt repayments, suggesting a hierarchy of financial harm where long-term financial security is sacrificed before immediate obligations. A quarter of gambling Brits have used money intended for food to fund gambling.

Jenni Gonsalves, Customers in Vulnerable Situations Manager at Lowell said “With the FIFA World Cup just around the corner, and other major betting moments lined up for the rest of the year, we expect to see a surge in casual betting activity across the UK as many Brits look to try their luck.

“While gambling can be a fun past-time for some, in our experience it can carry serious consequences for those in problem debt if clear boundaries are not put in place. We often see risk increase when people use credit cards or other forms of borrowing to fund expenses that may have been lost through gambling, effectively staking money they don’t have for a quick win. When losses occur, which they often do, debt can become a serious problem if payments are missed, or interest is added.

“We also regularly see people dipping into money that should be reserved for necessary bills, debt repayments or everyday essentials. This is when gambling can shift from being entertainment into something far more harmful, turning spending into high-risk bets that can spiral and contribute to problem debt.

“The impact often extends beyond finances alone. Worrying about mounting debts, missed payments and financial uncertainty can take a significant toll on a person’s mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation. In many cases, financial and emotional pressures can reinforce one another, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. That’s why it’s so important to seek advice and support early, as no one should have to navigate these challenges alone.”

The cities most likely to gamble more during sporting events are:

Belfast – 67%
Liverpool – 52%
Newcastle – 50%
Southampton – 48%
Nottingham and Glasgow – 47%

The most common financial coping mechanisms used are:

Credit cards – 25%
Overdraft – 14%
Savings they hadn’t planned to use – 13%
Personal loans – 13%
Buy now, pay later – 11%

The most commonly ‘raided’ fund is:

Savings – 35%
Food – 24%
Bills – 23%
Debt repayments – 16%
Rent – 15%