New research commissioned by Gamble Aware reveals that over half of gamblers in Great Britain say they gambled the same amount as they would normally have done during early lockdown.

The study, undertaken by YouGov earlier this year, shows that 52% of gamblers carried on as normal from March to May.

A total of 41% had gambled less than normal, with 4% stating that they had gambled more often than usual.

Actioned by Gamble Aware, an independent charity that champions a public health approach to preventing gambling harms, the research also shows that 20% of problem gamblers say they gambled more during the period.

Over half of such problem gamblers – those with a Problem Gambling Severity Index score of 8+ – referenced boredom as a reason for their actions.

1. An economic and social history of gambling in Britain and the USA (Manchester UP, 1996). 'The culture of gambling in Great Britain: Legislative and social change.' In Crime, Addiction and the Regulation of Gambling (Brill Nijhoff, 2008). Richard, Jessica.
2. UK Gambling Commission Releases Annual Gambling Study Report 15th March 2017 // Industry, News. The UK Gambling Commission recently published its 2016 annual report on Great Britain’s gambling participation and consumer behavior, a 42-page document developed from data gathered from approximately 3,000 combined telephone and online surveys of people 16-years old and up.

Overall gambling rates did, however, decline by 10% between October 2019 and May 2020, with the exception of online casino games, which rose from 1.5% to 2.3%.

Where a direct comparison is made between 11-15 year olds in England and Wales in the 2016 and 2017 surveys, the overall gambling participation rate drops from 16% in 2016 to 12% in 2017.

“The findings published today show there is a concerning lack of awareness and use of the gambling treatment and services which exist to provide support and care,” said Sian Griffiths, Deputy Chair of GambleAware.

“While gambling rates seem not to have increased during lockdown, it is alarming that gambling participation amongst those who are gambling is increasing amongst the most vulnerable groups.”

Updating the market, The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has today published its social research paper; ‘Gambling Behaviour in Great Britain 2015’.

Gambling Behaviour In Great Britain 2017 Route

The report provides a comprehensive update on gambling trends across the UK, examining the rates of participation, at-risk gambling and problem gambling, and explores the associated characteristics and behaviours.

Furthermore, the paper represents the first social update on UK gambling consumer behaviour since 2010. Headline findings from this report include;

• 4% of gamblers were classed as problem gamblers (0.8% of the population), with 6.4% at-risk (3.9% of the population) – which is similar to the rate published in the 2012 report.
• Problem gambling was more prevalent among people who had participated in multiple gambling activities in the past year, than those that had just participated in one.
• 63% of adults (aged 16 and over) in Great Britain had gambled in the past year.
• Men (66%) are more likely to gambling than women (59%).
• Most popular gambling activities were: National Lottery draws (46%), scratchcards (23%) and other lotteries (15%).
• Overall participation was highest among the middle age groups and lowest among the youngest and oldest age groups.
• Those in employment or training were more likely to gamble (69%). Participation by those unemployed was at 56% and 57% for those retired.

Presenting the report Tim Miller, UKGC Executive Director stated: “For many, gambling is an enjoyable leisure activity. But for some people gambling can become a problem with serious consequences for them, their families and their communities.

“Whilst overall problem gambling rates in Britain have remained statistically stable, our research suggests that in excess of two million people are at-risk or classed as problem gamblers, with very many more impacted by the wider consequences of gambling related harm.”

“We have a clear commitment to make gambling fairer and safer and these figures show that this is a significant challenge. Success will depend upon us, the industry, government and others, all working together with a shared purpose to protect consumers. The pace of change to date simply hasn’t been fast enough- more needs to be done to address problem gambling.”

Gambling Behaviour In Great Britain 2017 Videos

Sir Chris Kelly, Chairman of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board,the Commission’s expert advisor for research, education and treatment commented on UK trends

“These new findings show that gambling continues to cause harm to a significant number of people in Great Britain. They underline the importance of the National Responsible Gambling Strategy being pursued with vigour by everyone with a role to play in its delivery.

“The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board’s published assessment of progress with the first year of the Strategy identified a number of priority actions where more can and should be done. Gambling operators have a responsibility for leading a large part of this agenda and need to demonstrate they are making a positive impact through their work to protect customers and promote safe play.”