UK survey shows gambling higher in deprived areas

The latest figures from the Gambling Commission provide a detailed insight into the gambling habits of people in Great Britain, highlighting stark social and regional divides. The second annual Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), released in 2024, not only outlines participation levels but also explores the impact of gambling on individuals, households, and communities.

With nearly 20,000 participants, the report is one of the most comprehensive gambling-related surveys to date. Its findings suggest that while gambling remains a mainstream leisure activity, its prevalence is disproportionately higher in disadvantaged areas, raising concerns over the social and economic consequences.

Scope and methodology of the survey

The Gambling Commission collected responses from 19,714 people across Great Britain. The survey measured overall gambling participation, specific activities, frequency of play, and experiences relating to gambling harm.

According to the results, 48% of adults had engaged in at least one form of gambling in the four weeks prior to taking part. However, when lottery tickets were excluded, that figure dropped to 28%, showing how central the lottery remains in the UK gambling landscape.

The methodology also allowed for comparisons across demographics such as age, marital status, and socioeconomic position. This helps policymakers, industry operators, and researchers to identify patterns and risks more clearly.

Gambling as a mainstream leisure activity

The majority of respondents viewed gambling as a recreational pursuit. When asked about their motivations, 85% cited the hope of winning substantial sums of money, while 72% said they participated because they found gambling enjoyable.

Interestingly, 42% of participants described their gambling experiences as positive over the past year, compared to just 21% who reported negative experiences. This balance suggests that for many, gambling remains entertainment rather than a problem, though it cannot overshadow the risks faced by others.

Evidence of gambling-related harm

The survey found that 2.7% of participants recorded a Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score of eight or above, placing them in the highest risk category for gambling harm. A further 1.6% reported that gambling had contributed to relationship breakdowns in their personal lives.

Although these figures are higher than the long-standing estimate of 0.6% for problem gambling, they are broadly consistent with last year’s GSGB results. This consistency suggests that the new methodology provides a more realistic picture of gambling risks than older surveys.

Clear social and economic disparities

One of the most significant findings of the report was the link between gambling frequency and deprivation. Participants who gambled weekly on any activity were more likely to come from deprived areas, live in housing association accommodation, and have fewer educational qualifications.

Specifically, 27% of individuals in the most deprived areas gambled at least once a week, compared to just 14% in the least deprived areas. This almost twofold difference underlines the vulnerability of economically disadvantaged communities to gambling harms.

The survey also confirmed that certain forms of gambling were associated with higher PGSI scores. These included online betting on non-sports events, scratch cards, and in-person slot machines.

Regional gambling variations

The GSGB revealed striking geographical differences in gambling participation. In the North West, 14% of adults gambled weekly, the highest rate in Great Britain. This contrasted sharply with just 5% in the North East and Wales, and 8% in the South West.

Such variations may be influenced by local economic conditions, cultural factors, and the accessibility of gambling venues and online services. The Commission’s data provides useful context for regional policymakers seeking to address gambling-related risks.

Lottery players and demographic patterns

Lottery-only players emerged as a distinct demographic group within the survey. They were more likely to be older, married, and homeowners. This profile contrasts with more frequent gamblers, who tended to come from younger age brackets and from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

This finding highlights how different types of gambling appeal to different groups and demonstrates the need for tailored approaches to regulation and harm prevention.

Industry response and regulatory measures

In response to concerns about gambling harms, the Gambling Commission has implemented a range of regulatory changes over the past year.

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Commission, highlighted several of these measures. He noted:

“We have already introduced light-touch financial vulnerability checks on those spending £150 a month, reduced the intensity of all online games by banning autoplay and slowing game speed, and tightened age verification in premises.

“We’ve also banned potentially harmful marketing offers involving consumers having to carry out two or more types of gambling, such as betting and playing slots, and limited the number of times bonus funds must be re-staked before a consumer can withdraw winnings.

“From the end of this month [31 October] our new rules will give consumer controls over deposit limits and all gambling businesses must prompt their customers to set a financial limit before they make their first deposit.”

These reforms reflect an effort to balance consumer protection with industry growth, particularly at a time when gambling participation remains high across much of the country.

The paradox of gambling revenues

Despite regulatory tightening, the Gambling Commission’s latest quarterly data showed that Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) actually increased after the introduction of new stake limits for both online and land-based slot machines.

This apparent paradox raises questions about consumer behaviour, the resilience of gambling demand, and the impact of regulation on revenue generation. Some industry observers argue that tighter rules may encourage safer play without significantly reducing overall participation, though the long-term effects remain uncertain.

Policy implications and future outlook

The GSGB’s findings underscore the complex role gambling plays in British society. While many enjoy it as a harmless pastime, the disproportionate impact on deprived communities highlights a persistent social challenge.

As policymakers consider future reforms, issues such as affordability checks, advertising restrictions, and enhanced support for at-risk individuals are likely to remain central to the debate. For the Commission, maintaining public trust in its oversight of the industry will be critical.

The survey’s consistency with last year’s results also suggests that policymakers now have a reliable evidence base on which to build future strategies.

Conclusion

The Gambling Survey for Great Britain provides a revealing snapshot of the nation’s gambling landscape, illustrating both its widespread popularity and the disparities that shape participation across different communities. While millions of adults continue to enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment, the higher rates of weekly gambling in deprived areas raise important concerns about vulnerability and harm.

The report highlights a dual reality: on one hand, gambling is embraced by many as a positive social and recreational activity; on the other, it carries risks that disproportionately affect those facing economic and social disadvantage. The regulatory measures introduced by the Gambling Commission reflect an evolving approach to safeguarding consumers, ensuring greater financial checks, responsible marketing, and tighter controls on game design.

Yet the increase in Gross Gambling Yield despite stricter rules demonstrates the resilience of the industry and the enduring demand for gambling products. As policymakers, regulators, and operators look ahead, the challenge will be to strike a balance between consumer choice, economic contribution, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

Ultimately, the GSGB underscores that gambling is not a uniform experience across society. Its role as leisure, livelihood, or risk varies widely, and the Commission’s findings serve as a vital resource for guiding future debate and regulation in a sector that continues to attract public, political, and economic attention.

FAQs

What is the Gambling Survey for Great Britain?
The Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) is an annual study conducted by the Gambling Commission, gathering data from thousands of adults about their gambling behaviour, motivations, and experiences.

How many people took part in the latest GSGB?
A total of 19,714 people across Great Britain participated in the 2024 edition of the survey.

What percentage of adults gambled recently?
According to the survey, 48% of adults gambled in the four weeks before being surveyed, although this dropped to 28% when excluding lottery play.

Which gambling activities are linked to higher harm scores?
The report highlighted online betting on non-sports events, scratch cards, and in-person slot machines as activities more strongly associated with gambling harm.

How does gambling participation vary by region?
The North West recorded the highest weekly gambling activity at 14%, while the North East and Wales saw just 5%. The South West recorded 8%.

What demographic is most likely to play the lottery?
Lottery-only players tend to be older, married, and homeowners, according to the survey findings.

What percentage of people reported negative experiences?
Only 21% of respondents reported negative experiences with gambling in the past year, while 42% described their experiences as positive.

What measures has the Gambling Commission introduced?
The Commission has banned autoplay in online games, introduced light-touch financial checks, restricted certain marketing practices, and required deposit limit prompts.

What is the Problem Gambling Severity Index?
The PGSI is a standardised tool used to measure the extent of gambling-related harm. A score of eight or above indicates high risk of problem gambling.

Why is gambling higher in deprived areas?
The survey indicates that people in deprived areas are more likely to gamble weekly, potentially due to a combination of economic stress, accessibility, and limited leisure alternatives.