A new survey has shown that the number of UK adults gambling has remained steady at 48 percent.
The figure is included in the most recent Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) that was conducted by NatCen. It was commissioned by the UK Gambling Commission and saw 4,657 adults aged 18 and over being interviewed.
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Insights from the latest GSGB survey on gambling participation
Those questioned were asked if they had gambled in any way in the previous four weeks. The resulting 48 percent answer is consistent with that recorded last year and in a GSGB survey held earlier in 2024. This latest survey covered the period of April to July this year.
The GSGB did reveal a rise of 3 percent in UK betting participation. Critics of the survey state that a different method is being used to calculate the results so comparisons aren’t too easy to make.
There are contrasting results if playing lottery games is excluded from the total figures. For example, if they are included, it’s males aged between 45 and 64 that is the highest age range.
However, take away the attempts to win lottery draws and instant games, then suddenly males between 25 and 34 are top of the list.
Online gambling trends and concerns about slot games
Online gambling remains popular and a source of interest for those interested in gambling reform. 37 percent of respondents said that in the past four weeks they had gambled online. That figure was reduced to 17 percent if playing lottery games was excluded.
There is a great deal of concern about younger gamblers, especially regarding them going online to play slot games. They may well have played them in amusement arcades as a child but the stakes that can be made at online casinos are far higher.
At present, there is no maximum stake limit for online slots as is the case at land-based venues.
The playing of online slots can cause gambling harm. A lot of money can be lost playing them and in a short amount of time. Players have been known to play for long periods of time and action is now to be taken on this area of online gambling.
GamCare says that for 2023-24, of those who made contact with them via the National Gambling Helpline, 45 percent mentioned that they had a problem with online slots. The figure for 2020-21 was only 34 percent.
The rise of online slots and the impact of gambling reform
Online slots are an important part of any UK online casino, especially brand new sites for online gambling. Figures for June to September 2024 released by the UKGC showed a GGY of £680 million.
That was a rise of 16 percent from the same time last year. An amazing 23.3 billion spins took place during that period.
Last year saw the Conservative Government publish a White Paper on gambling reform. A lot of attention was paid towards the problems faced by those in the 18-24 age range and particularly when playing online.
This year, it was announced that from September 2024, the maximum stake for online slots would be reduced to just £2 for those in the 18-24 age range. For players aged 25 and above, there would be a change too with the maximum stake limit being £5.
Then came the July General Election and the arrival of Labour in Downing Street.
They had agreed with most of the measures in the 2023 White Paper and the importance of gambling responsibly. Their intention has been to consult with the gambling industry.
There have been fears from the Betting and Gaming Council that the new government has been paying too much attention to those who have been campaigning against gambling.
New stake limits and the introduction of a statutory levy
It has now been announced that the planned new stake limits for online slots will be introduced in 2025. There will also be a statutory levy placed on the UK gambling industry with the aim of raising £100 million a year.
This will be used to fund treatment for those suffering addiction and also attempting to reduce the stigma that surrounds the subject of gambling harm.
At present, UK gambling companies do make voluntary donations. The Betting and Gaming Council say £50 million has been donated this year and £170 million in the past four. However, the government says some companies make small contributions, even as low as £1.
A statutory levy will be based on several factors including GGY, risk factor and operating costs. It will certainly see a lot more money having to be donated by gambling companies, again hitting their revenue figures..
