Assessment of National Gambling Behaviour published

Published: 25 August 2017 by Richard Bradley

Last modified: 25 March 2020

Gambling Commission issues first comprehensive review since 2010

The Gambling Commission has published a report prepared by NatCen Social Research, which is the first comprehensive analysis of national gambling data since 2010.

The report’s objective was “to describe the prevalence of gambling participation, at-risk gambling and problem gambling” and to explore associated characteristics.

Source data was combined from the Health Survey for England 2015, the Scottish Health Survey for England 2015 and the Wales Omnibus in 2015.

The Gambling Commission has identified the following key findings:

• 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; and
• Those in employment or training were more likely to gamble (69%). Participation by those unemployed was at 56% and 57% for those retired.

Gambling Commission Executive Tim Miller is quoted as stating that “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.”

In June this year, the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board published its ‘One year on: progress delivering the National Responsible Gambling Strategy’, which reviewed the National Responsible Gambling Strategy’s 12 priority actions points.

Following publication of the latest report, the Gambling Commission has called for a ‘renewed focus’ on addressing gambling associated harms.

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For further information on this or any other legal related gambling issues contact solicitor Richard Bradley 0115 953 8500.

Source:  Poppleston Allen