Almost half (48%) of UK adults have gambled in the past four weeks, according to the industry regulator’s annual survey.
In 2024, approximately 2.7% of adults will score an “8+” on the Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). This is an increase from 2.5% the previous year, which the Gambling Commission said was “statistically stable” compared to previous years.
The proportion of people who gambled in the past month was the same as the previous year, but fell to 28% when excluding those who only purchased lottery tickets.
Overall, about 42% of adults who gambled in the past 12 months rated their last gamble positively, compared with 21% who rated it negatively.
The main reason people gamble is because they think it’s fun (72%), followed by the possibility of winning ‘big money’ (85%).
Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, said: “The UK Gambling Survey is a key component of the evidence base that helps government, industry and other partners understand both gambling behavior and the potential consequences of gambling.
“This year’s findings deepen our understanding of the consequences of gambling and provide important insights into the risk profile of those who gamble most frequently. We strongly encourage operators to use this evidence to consider the risks within their own customer base.
“Data and research like GSGB’s are essential to identify where we need to focus our regulation and inform our ongoing work to implement the player protection recommendations in the Gambling Law Review White Paper.
“We have already introduced light financial vulnerability checks for people spending £150 a month, reduced the intensity of all online games by banning autoplay and slowing down games, and strengthened age verification on premises.
“We have also banned potentially harmful marketing offers that require consumers to undertake more than one type of gambling, such as betting or playing slots, and have limited the number of times consumers must re-stake their bonus funds before withdrawing their winnings.
Will Prochaska, director of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, said: “The Gambling Commission publishes these statistics as if there is no problem, but when over a million people have problem gambling and millions more are being harmed, something is very wrong.
“Families across the country are being torn apart to benefit the big gambling companies. If we are serious about solving this crisis, we need to start by banning gambling advertising.”
A Betting and Gaming Commission spokesperson said: “More than 22 million adults in the UK enjoy betting every month and, as the Gambling Commission shows today, the vast majority do so without problems.
