Nationwide has raised alarms about the gambling habits of customers aged 18 to 24, noting that one in four in this age group gambles to manage essential expenses. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just 12 days away, 83% of young adults expect to increase their gambling activity. This trend is concerning, particularly as nearly 1 in 5 young gamblers identify as addicted, a rate significantly higher than that of individuals over 55. Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Nationwide, emphasized the need for support, stating that no one should face gambling harm alone. The bank encourages customers to reach out for help. Raminta Diliso from GamCare also highlighted the risks associated with major sporting events, urging young adults to utilize gambling blocks and contact the National Gambling Helpline for assistance. Regionally, London leads with 80% of gamblers expecting to bet more, followed by the West Midlands at 79% and the North West at 74%, while Yorkshire and the Humber report the lowest at 59%.