TransUnion finds 12% of UK bettors aged 25-34 have fallen for unlicensed betting fraud ahead of the 2026 World Cup

TransUnion’s latest survey says younger UK adults are driving the pre-World Cup betting spike, with London the most active regional market and security a deal-breaker for online bettors. For PSPs and operators, the useful part is not the football hype; it is the mix of higher staking intent, fraud exposure, and a clear preference for licensed providers.

1. The study, conducted by OnePoll between 11-14 May among 1,000 UK adults, found that 25-34-year-olds were the age group most likely to increase betting activity during the 2026 men’s World Cup. Around 43% of this cohort said they expected to bet more frequently during the tournament, while the figure dropped to just 4% among those aged 65 and over.
2. That same 25-34 group also said it planned to stake more per bet than the overall sample. Their average planned wager was £16.56 per bet, versus £9.54 across all respondents. In other words, the younger end of the market is not just more active; it is also prepared to put more money on each ticket.
3. TransUnion also found a fraud problem sitting right next to that activity. One in eight people in the 25-34 bracket, or 12%, said they had knowingly fallen victim to fraud via an unlicensed betting site. That compared with 10% of 35-44-year-olds and 1% of 55-64-year-olds.
4. London came out as the country’s most active betting hub in the survey. Over half, or 52%, of bettors in London planned to wager on England matches. Another 42% planned to bet on other major matches, and 29% intended to back outright tournament winners. The report said these figures outpaced other UK regions.
5. When asked why they choose one operator over another, convenience ranked first for 17% of all bettors and 24% of young adults. Preference for online betting came second at 16%. Security, though, was the real non-negotiable: 91% of online bettors said they valued a secure experience, with 60% saying it mattered “a lot”. In London, 95% rated security as crucial.

TransUnion’s international vice-president of fraud solution, Chad Reimers, said younger fans are the most enthusiastic punters, but that also raises the risk if they do not check whether a provider is legitimate. The firm advised consumers to verify Gambling Commission licensing, avoid suspiciously generous promotions, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and monitor financial and credit statements closely.