Gambling Commission publishes new research on online gambling trends

Gambling Commission_8The Gambling Commission has published research statistics figures providing better insight into gambling behaviour in Britain covering participation in gambling, perceptions of gambling and rates of problem gambling. For the first time, information is provided about how people gamble online – the devices they use to gamble, where they gamble, and the number of accounts they use.

The findings include:

  • Participation in gambling has fallen from 57% in 2012 to 45% in 2015 – attributed to National Lottery draw participation dropping from 46% to 32% in the same period.
  • National Lottery draws remain by far the most popular gambling activity followed by other lotteries and scratchcards
  • At 0.5%, rates of problem gambling are static – 2015 (0.5%) and 2014 (0.5%)
  • Those aged 18-24 are most likely to be problem gamblers (1.1%), and 1% of men were problem gamblers in 2015 compared with 0% of women
  • 25-34 year olds are most likely to use mobile and tablet devices, bet in-play and gamble outside of the home
  • Laptops are the preferred devices among all age groups for online gambling while those aged under 45 are most likely to use mobiles or tablets to gamble in addition to laptops.

The research is accompanied by infographics that can be downloaded below. They, together with the full report, headline findings and a technical annex, can be accessed at http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/Press/2016/Commission-research-features-online-gambling-trends-for-the-first-time.aspx

Download article PDF: GC Infographic online behaviour
Download article PDF: GC Infographic overall participation