WEALTH March 24, 2026 0 Comments

Why Cheltenham Festival’s 3% Drop in Gambling Might Signal a Game-Changing Trend for Investors and Entrepreneurs

Ever wonder if having a digital “stop sign” could actually curb the roulette wheel of your gambling habits? Well, the sharp minds at PTSB have thrown a spotlight on exactly that with their Gambling Block tool — and the results around this year’s Cheltenham Festival are fascinating. Despite the usual buzz and betting frenzy associated with the event, overall gambling spend dipped by over €1.2 million, marking a 3% decline compared to last year. This nifty app feature, sparking sustained behavioral change for more than 6,000 users since its launch, is clearly showing some muscle — slashing nearly €9 million in estimated gambling outlay among its community. But here’s the kicker: while many are pulling back, a core group is actually upping their ante by 6%. It’s a stark reminder that when it comes to gambling, habits don’t just disappear; they evolve. So what does this mean for the future of gambling controls and financial wellbeing? Dive into the data and you might just find the blueprint for smarter money management and a fresh way to tackle impulsive behavior head-on. LEARN MORE

Gambling activity declined by over €1.2m or 3% year-on-year during the four-week period around this year’s Cheltenham Festival, according to PTSB.

The research uses data from PTSB Gambling Block, the digital voluntary block introduced by the bank last year to stop customers making card transactions with gambling merchants.

Over 6,000 customers have activated the app tool since its launch last July, and 74% have retained the block since, pointing to sustained behavioural change and continued engagement with the tool.

The data shows an overall estimated reduction in gambling spend of approximately €9m among gamblers who are using PTSB Gambling Block.

However, the analysis also shows a contrasting trend among customers who continue to gamble.

Those active in both 2025 and 2026 have increased their spending by 6% year-on-year, suggesting a divergence in behaviour between customers who are reducing or stopping gambling and those maintaining activity.

From a demographic perspective, gambling activity remains most prevalent among customers aged 40 to 49.

In the three-week period to the conclusion of Cheltenham on 13 March, the number of customers activating Gambling Block was almost double the number of those removing it.

The first two weeks of March also saw a 4% increase in Gambling Block activations compared to the final two weeks of February.

“At PTSB, the financial wellbeing of our customers is paramount. Our Gambling Block allows customers to take control of their spending instantly within the app,” said Patrick Farrell, chief retail banking officer at PTSB.

“While major sporting events like the Cheltenham Festival and the Six Nations traditionally drive strong betting activity, our data this year shows an overall reduction in gambling spend compared to last year, alongside strong and sustained use of our Gambling Block tool.

“It is particularly encouraging to see that a large majority of customers who activate the block continue to keep it in place. This suggests lasting behavioural change and growing awareness of the tools available to help people manage their gambling activities.”

Jackie Murphy, CEO of Gambling Care, said: “Having tools like the PTSB Gambling Block available directly within a banking app is important, as it allows people to act quickly in the moment.

“That ability to pause gambling activity easily can help interrupt impulsive behaviour and support people to stay in control of their gambling habits.”

Photo: Jockey Paul Townend on Gaelic Warrior (L) rides to win ahead of Jango Baie ridden by jockey Nico de Boinville (2L), Grey Dawning ridden by jockey Harry Skelton (C) and Inothewayurthinkin ridden by jockey Mark Walsh (R) in the Gold Cup chase horse race on the fourth day of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, in Cheltenham, western England on March 13, 2026. (Pic: Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images)