Gambling behaviour in Great Britain in 2015

The Gambling Commission has published a report that provides a comprehensive analysis of gambling across the whole of Great Britain. It examines the rates of participation, at-risk gambling and problem gambling, and explores their associated characteristics and behaviours.

The report can be downloaded below. Its headline findings are:

  • 1.4% 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 a 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.

Tim Miller, Gambling Commission executive director, is quoted as saying: “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.”