England face Norway this Saturday in their World Cup quarter-final, creating a perfect storm of triggers for UK gamblers. New survey findings from debt management firm Lowell reveal that half of sports fans increase their betting around these matches, and 20% gamble more during nice weather, a habit that can have “serious consequences.”
The survey, which included 503 UK gamblers, reveals that 43% of all gamblers increase their betting 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.
The same survey also found that one in five (20%) say they gamble more during periods of warm, sunny weather. Men are slightly more likely to increase their gambling activity than women, with 23% saying they gamble more when the weather is nice, compared to 17% of women. This creates a perfect storm, making this weekend’s combination of a World Cup quarter-final and soaring temperatures a particularly high-risk moment for UK gamblers, according to the debt experts.
Gambling can have a significant impact on 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 bettors 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.
The most common financial coping mechanisms used are:
- Buy now, pay later – 11%
- Credit cards – 25%
- Overdraft – 14%
- Savings they hadn’t planned to use – 13%
- Personal loans – 13%
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. Worryingly, a quarter of gambling Brits have used money intended for food to fund gambling.
The most commonly “raided” fund is:
- Savings – 35%
- Food – 24%
- Bills – 23%
- Debt repayments – 16%
- Rent – 15%
“With England’s World Cup run in full swing and the UK enjoying one of the hottest summers on record, we expect to see a surge in casual betting activity across the UK as many Brits look to try their luck while enjoying the sunshine.
While gambling can be a fun pastime 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.”
Jenni Gonsalves, Customers in Vulnerable Situations Manager at Lowell
For support on gambling and debt around the World Cup, visit Lowell.
