Gambling participation steady in Great Britain, survey reveals
The Gambling Commission has released the latest findings from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), conducted by NatCen, based on data collected between April and July 2024. This comprehensive survey sheds light on gambling habits across the UK, providing valuable insights into participation trends and demographic differences.
Stable Overall Gambling Participation
The survey, which involved interviews with 4,657 adults aged 18 and above, revealed that 48% of respondents participated in at least one gambling activity in the past four weeks. This figure remains consistent with 2023 and earlier data from 2024.
However, 20% of participants engaged exclusively in lottery draws, such as the National Lottery or charity lotteries. When these individuals are excluded, the overall gambling participation rate falls to 28%.
Demographic Trends in Gambling
The data highlights key demographic differences in gambling habits:
- Overall gambling participation is highest among males aged 45 to 64.
- Excluding lottery-only players, males aged 25 to 34 become the most active gambling demographic.
These findings underline the varying preferences and behaviors among different age groups.
The Continued Growth of Online Gambling
Online gambling remains a dominant force, with 37% of respondents reporting participation in the past four weeks. However, this percentage drops to 17% when excluding those who only participated in online lotteries.
Primary Motivations for Gambling
When asked why they gamble, participants cited two main reasons:
- The opportunity to win significant sums of money.
- The enjoyment and entertainment factor.
In-Person Gambling: A Secondary Choice
While online gambling continues to grow, 29% of respondents reported engaging in in-person gambling during the same period. When lottery-only players are excluded, this figure decreases to 18%.
Lotteries Dominate Gambling Preferences
Lotteries remain the most popular gambling activity, with:
- 31% of respondents participating in National Lottery draws.
- 16% engaging in other charity lotteries.
Other popular gambling activities include:
- Scratchcards (12%).
- Betting (12%).
- Online instant win games (7%).
The survey also highlighted a notable increase in betting participation, which rose by over 3 percentage points compared to the previous survey.
A Note on Methodology
It’s important to acknowledge that the methodology for this survey differs from previous reports, making direct historical comparisons more challenging.
Looking Ahead: Future Updates
The next quarterly update from the Gambling Commission is scheduled for 27 February 2025. This upcoming publication will provide additional insights into gambling trends and how they evolve over time.
Conclusion
The latest GSGB results provide a detailed snapshot of gambling behaviors in Great Britain. While overall participation remains steady, the data highlights the growing role of online platforms and demographic shifts in preferences. As the gambling landscape continues to evolve, these insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers, stakeholders, and industry leaders.
