One in 11 people surveyed for American Express have plans to attend live sports events
Sports enthusiasts are set to pack out events this summer, with a survey indicating the average punter will attend five events, American Express reports.
One in 11 (9%) of those questioned say they’re ready to soak up the atmosphere at live sporting spectacles. Based on figures from the research, it’s predicted that fans will spend £3.4billion just for tickets, and another £2.7billion will be spent on food and drink at the venues.
Pubs and bars are gearing up for a bumper summer as well, with 16% of those surveyed planning to catch sporting events screened live at watering holes. Your average sports-loving pub-goer will spend about £400 on pints during the warmer months, the survey reveals.
The mood swung from gloom to cheers among England’s football loyalists last Sunday, following the team’s nail-biting 2-1 triumph over Slovakia. The Three Lions are now preparing for a showdown with Switzerland in Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final face-off. There’s plenty on offfer to keep sports fans entertained. Wimbledon began it’s two-week run on Monday and the Paris Olympics starts at the end of July.
Nine in 10 (90%) football fans surveyed said they will watch at least one match at home this summer, with some also planning to upgrade their home entertainment packages. People will also make the most of news services, sports apps and games to keep up with the action, the research indicated.
Dave Edwards from American Express, said: “Whether it’s in stadiums, pubs and bars, or at home, the data shows we are making the most of an unrivalled summer of sport. The UK is passionate when it comes to sport and our latest American Express research shows how fans are willing to spend to feel involved in the action.”
American Express released the findings as it launched an offer on its Platinum Card, running until August 27, giving new cardholders £400 in travel credit to spend with Amex Travel Online when £6,000 is spent in the first three months, as well as the chance for those who meet the criteria to win tickets for Wimbledon 2025.
This offer stands until August 27. Their survey, which questioned 2,000 UK residents in June and was conducted by Opinium. The findings were released as HSBC UK urged customers strugggling with gambling pressures to use a ‘freeze’ function on its mobile banking app. Several banks have blockers within their apps that can help people with addiction issues to control their spending.
The HSBC UK gambling freeze puts a lock on betting transactions for a 72-hour period, starting only after the freeze is lifted, preventing any bets during that time. While the freeze is in place, it applies to transactions made online as well as at point-of-sale and transactions involving contactless and digital wallets.
HSBC UK data covering the period June 14 to 26 indicates that six in 10 (60%) customers who have enabled their gambling block have so far left it on. Maxine Pritchard, head of financial inclusion and vulnerability at HSBC UK, said: “Millions of people enjoy betting on sport and responsible gambling is important.”
“Big, emotive sporting events can lead to impulsive decisions and bets customers may not be able to afford.. We encourage everyone to think twice before switching off the freeze, stay within their spending limits and make use of our support facilities if needed. If you’re feeling vulnerable or struggling to manage your finances, we encourage you to reach out to us we’re always here to help.”
Raminta Diliso, project manager (gambling related financial harm) at charity GamCare, said: “Big sporting events can be triggering for people already experiencing gambling-related financial harm.”
“That’s why gambling freezes, such as the one offered by HSBC UK, are a great way to stop gambling transactions on your debit card.” GamCare advocates for those with gambling issues, stating that free software to block gambling apps and websites is available, in addition to GamCare’s own support services.
