A recent survey by TransUnion has found that betting fraud is a growing concern among young adults in the UK, particularly as excitement builds ahead of the 2026 men’s World Cup. The study reveals that 12% of adults aged 25-34 have knowingly fallen victim to fraudulent activity on unlicensed betting platforms, a significantly higher rate than older demographics.
London stands out as the nation’s most active region for betting, with an increasing number of younger bettors participating in World Cup-related wagering. The findings underline the importance of secure, regulated betting environments and highlight the risks associated with offshore and non-compliant operators.
Survey Highlights Betting Trends and Security Concerns
The research, carried out by OnePoll for TransUnion between 11-14 May with 1,000 UK adults, identified the 25-34 age group as the most likely to increase their betting activity during the upcoming World Cup. Notably, 43% of respondents in this cohort planned to bet more frequently, compared to just 4% among those aged 65 and older.
Younger bettors are also wagering larger sums, with the average planned stake from 25-34-year-olds reaching £16.56 per bet—well above the overall average of £9.54. London emerged as the top region, with over half of local bettors intending to wager on England matches and a substantial proportion planning bets on other major games and tournament outcomes.
When choosing a betting operator, convenience was cited as the leading factor by 17% of all respondents, increasing to 24% among younger adults. Preference for online betting was the second most popular reason. Security remains paramount, with 91% of online bettors valuing a secure experience and 60% reporting it matters “a lot” to them. In London, this figure rises to 95%.
Expert Advice on Reducing Fraud Risks
TransUnion has advised consumers to always verify that a betting site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, avoid offers that seem excessively generous, and use strong security measures such as robust passwords and two-factor authentication. Regularly monitoring financial and credit statements is also recommended.
Bettors who suspect fraudulent activity are encouraged to report incidents to Action Fraud and seek support from organisations such as GamCare or the National Gambling Helpline if they have concerns about their gambling behaviours.
Chad Reimers, TransUnion’s international vice-president of fraud solutions, emphasised the increased risk facing enthusiastic young bettors during major events like the World Cup. He highlighted the danger that comes from not verifying the legitimacy and regulatory status of betting brands, noting that fraudsters are particularly active during large sporting tournaments.
World Cup Spurs Regulatory Action and Player Vigilance
The upcoming World Cup is expected to drive a significant uptick in sports betting activity worldwide. European regulators, including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), have called for heightened vigilance regarding player behaviour and the monitoring of betting platforms. The MGA recently advised bookmakers to strengthen their oversight in anticipation of greater activity and potential risks associated with non-compliant operators.
Some countries are implementing stricter measures to prevent unauthorised betting ahead of the tournament. For example, South Korea has introduced a reward-based reporting system to encourage the identification of restricted betting websites targeting local residents.
As the World Cup approaches, the findings from TransUnion serve as a reminder for bettors to prioritise security, choose licensed operators, and stay alert to potential fraud risks in the rapidly evolving UK betting market.