UK building society Nationwide recorded a marked increase in gambling-related transactions among its customers. Against the backdrop of troubling figures, the organisation reminded customers that a gambling block feature is available, which includes a 72-hour cooling-off period before the restriction can be removed.
Spending and trends, according to Nationwide
According to information disclosed by Nationwide, its customers’ average spending on gambling is £745 a month. An impressive figure, to put it mildly. The number of gambling-related transactions rose by 7% year on year.
These figures reflect a steady upward trend, which is raising concerns not only among financial institutions, but also among charities working with people experiencing gambling addiction.
Study shows increased intention to gamble and low awareness
A new study adds to the overall sense of concern. 68% of gamblers said they plan to place more bets in 2026. At the same time, 19% of surveyed gamblers do not know that banks and building societies offer a gambling transaction block feature on accounts.
This gap between the scale of the problem and awareness of available safeguards remains one of the key vulnerabilities in tackling gambling-related harm.
Mobile apps as a driver of gambling’s growing popularity
Gambling went through its first wave of popularity with the rise of online casinos. The second wave was linked to the pandemic. The third, which began relatively recently, is directly linked to the active development of smartphone apps. Android and iOS phone users gained the ability to gamble on the go.
Preferences diverged. Among Android apps, slot games are the most popular, according to data from numerous surveys. Players who use Apple devices have somewhat different preferences. An analysis of several iGaming sites showed that crash games take first place in the rankings. For example, we find here information about the Lucky Jet iOS app, which points to an interesting trend. It turns out that among Apple users, the download growth rate for this app is much higher than among users of other operating systems.
Despite minor differences, the overall trend is that mobile apps have significantly boosted the popularity of gambling. This also contributes to the troubling statistics.
How the gambling block works and why it matters
A gambling transaction block is a feature that restricts gambling-related payments and transfers directly at the bank account level. In essence, it is a digital barrier between the impulse to place a bet and the transaction itself.
A particularly important element in Nationwide’s version is the 72-hour cooling-off period. If a customer decides to remove the block, they will have to wait three days. This time acts as an extra safeguard, preventing an emotion-driven decision.
Nationwide’s measures since 2024 and activation statistics
Nationwide has been steadily strengthening its protective mechanisms. Since 2024, the organisation has taken several steps:
- introduced enhanced controls on gambling-related transactions;
- gave customers the option to set up the block themselves;
- provided specialised training for frontline staff.
The result of these efforts is reflected in concrete numbers: more than 10,000 gambling blocks are activated each month.
How effective the blocks are in practice
Among those customers who knew about the block, 50% used this feature. Of those, 56% confirmed that the block helped them avoid continuing to gamble.
These figures show that the tool works, but its effectiveness depends directly on how aware people are of it.
The scale of requests for support at GamCare
Charity GamCare recorded 105,765 contacts from people seeking help over the past year. The organisation links gambling to a whole range of serious consequences: financial difficulties, worsening mental health, and the breakdown of personal relationships.
Why Nationwide is strengthening protective mechanisms right now
Catherine Townsend, Nationwide’s Head of Vulnerable Customer Management, explained the rationale: “In a year packed with major sporting events, we are concerned that more and more people could find themselves in a situation where their betting could exceed what they can afford. That’s why early identification and robust safeguards are so important.” According to her, the 72-hour waiting period is deliberately built into the system to help customers stay in control.
GamCare on steps for those who are struggling
Raminta Diliso, GamCare’s Senior Partnerships Manager, stressed that gambling harm is often hidden. Among the consequences, she cited debt problems, psychological disorders, and relationship crises. In a year of major tournaments such as the World Cup, the risks increase, and it is important to reduce them early by using bank gambling blocks and seeking professional support.
Where to get help
A gambling transaction block can be enabled at your bank or building society. Nationwide offers this option with self-service setup. For free advice and support, the National Gambling Helpline from GamCare is available.