The latest data from the Gambling Commission’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain reveals a slight decrease in gambling activity among adults. Over the past year, 59% of adults reported gambling, down from 60% in 2024. Participation in the last four weeks also fell to 47%, a minor dip from 48%. Online gambling participation held steady at 38%.
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Lottery Continues to Lead
The National Lottery remains the dominant gambling product, with 31% of adults purchasing tickets. Excluding National Lottery-only players, annual gambling participation slipped to 40% from 41% the previous year. Participation over four weeks dropped to 27% from 28%. Charity lotteries maintained a stable 16% participation, but scratchcards saw a slight drop from 13% to 12%. The survey additionally highlighted demographic trends, noting increased gambling among men aged 55 and older. Still, this isn’t their first brush with age-based gambling trends, indicating an enduring pattern.
Problem Gambling and Risk Levels
The survey reported a modest decrease in problem gambling rates. Adults scoring eight or more on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) fell to 2.4% last year from 2.7% in 2024. However, moderate-risk gambling climbed to 3.5% from 3.1%. Low-risk gambling levels decreased to 7.8% from 8.8%. But the Commission emphasized the stability in consumer engagement, stating that the overall level of gambling enjoyment and the number of problem gamblers remained consistent. It stressed the necessity of a nuanced interpretation of data, as single metrics can be misleading. Reports of harm caused by others’ gambling also saw a decline. Respondents reporting gambling by someone close to them decreased to 43.2% from 48%, with fewer incidents of stress and conflict.
Regulatory Shifts on the Horizon
The data arrives amidst a UK government consultation on prohibiting unlicensed gambling sponsorship in sports. Proposed legislation could empower the Secretary of State to regulate gambling advertising, potentially making partnerships with unlicensed operators a criminal offense. Violations could incur daily fines, pending Parliamentary approval. Looking forward, the industry is anticipating possible changes in advertising regulations. Any new rules could reshape how operators approach sponsorships and promotions in sports.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
