National Gambling statistics published

The Gambling Commission has recently published a report it had commissioned which analyses, for the first time since 2010, national gambling data

The full report prepared by NatCen Social research can be found here:

'Gambling behaviour in Great Britain in 2015 Evidence from England, Scotland and Wales'

Some of the Headline findings are as follows;

• 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, stated following the publication of the report

“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.”