With Eurovision in full swing, and Sweden’s KAJ hot favourite to win, new research from Nationwide reveals a sharp rise in gambling on major events. More than seven in ten (76%) of people who gamble say they’ll bet more this year than last on high-profile fixtures like the FA Cup, Grand National, Royal Ascot and Eurovision.

It comes as charity GambleAware warns that ‘anyone could be at risk of harm’ from gambling as new data from Nationwide suggests high-profile events are becoming increasingly popular for those that like to have a flutter.

Betting on the Eurovision Song Contest is estimated to attract at least £200 million in bets globally, according to comparison site Oddschecker, who also stated there were more bets placed on Eurovision than on The Grand National last year. ‘Eurovision betting’ searches on the internet were at their highest ever in 20248.

Nationwide’s poll of 2,000 people who gamble1 follows Britain’s biggest building society becoming the first financial services firm to join the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute’s Gambling Harms Action Lab – a programme working with current account providers to develop new and improved ways to identify and support customers who people are experiencing gambling harms.

The poll highlights that one in ten (10%) of people who gamble and were surveyed have tried to stop previously, only to relapse due to being drawn back in by major events. When it comes to betting on major events, the most popular include The Grand National (previously bet on by 63%), FA Cup Final (61%), Royal Ascot (34%), Wimbledon (30%), The Open Championship (25%) and The Eurovision Song Contest (20%).

Gambling support charity GambleAware is concerned that not enough is being done to inform and warn people about the potential risks of gambling, at a time when 28% of people experiencing harm say they hide their gambling from a loved one and 31% say they saw their first gambling ad under the age of 17.

The charity is encouraging people to open up about gambling, recognising that it can be addictive and that the harm it causes can affect anyone – their data highlights that over half (55%) of those experiencing harm – feel they can’t escape gambling adverts3, which often go hand-in-hand with high-profile events.

Both Nationwide and GambleAware are urging people worried about gambling to seek support early. The research reveals that more than a third (36%) of respondents say gambling on events feels safer and less addictive than gambling games – like online casinos and bingo. More than one in ten (11%) have spent more than £500 on a single bet and worryingly, one in five (20%) wouldn’t seek help if their gambling became a problem5.

A staggering 80 per cent admit to gambling more than they intended – this is down to “good odds” (42%), “strong knowledge” of the event (33%), “excitement” (32%) and “receiving a tip” (26%). The main attraction of betting on a high profile or novelty event are the lure of a big win (43%) and the excitement generated by the event (37%), while national pride was a factor for 16 per cent of people that gamble. This is despite the UK being tipped to place 18th out of 32 countries, with a one per cent chance of winning3.

Younger people are most at risk

The survey also reveals half (50%) of 18 to 24-year-olds who gamble hide their activity for fear of judgement, embarrassment or their partner doesn’t approve, with 57 per cent saying they, or someone they know, has developed a gambling problem. More than one in three (37%) can see how betting on big events could spark an issue.

Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Nationwide, said: “Gambling on big events, such as the Eurovision song contest, can be seen as fun and sociable. Whilst most people gamble safely it’s important that people know if they are struggling with gambling, support is available without judgement if they need it.

“Nationwide, continues to invest in the support it offers, such as our a gambling block which customers can activate through their mobile app, internet bank, in branch or over the phone. And we look forward to working alongside organisations, such as GambleAware, to make a positive difference to people’s finances, relationships and mental health.”

Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, said: “Gambling harm is a serious public health issue which can affect anyone, even children. Not only can gambling affect people’s finances but also their relationships and physical and mental health as well. We are seriously concerned about the normalisation of gambling for children through the frequent exposure to gambling advertising and marketing. This is why we are urging the introduction of mandatory health warnings on gambling advertising, to make it clear that gambling can be addictive and it can affect anyone. We are also calling for a ban on gambling advertising at sporting events and a ban on gambling advertising on TV and radio before the watershed to help protect people from harm.”