76% of Britons want politicians to stop betting on elections

Three quarters of Britons believe politicians should not be allowed to gamble on political markets after the recent “betting scandal” that rocked British politics. The scandal surrounding the general election revealed that nine people in politics were being investigated for betting on the date of the election.

A survey by OLBG/YouGov has now revealed that 76% of the British public believe that anyone working in politics should not be allowed to gamble on political outcomes.

Support for politicians to disclose their gambling activities is growing

In addition, 60% of respondents believe that all politicians should be allowed to disclose their gambling activities. This follows revelations that some may have gambled on the basis of inside information.

Almost half (46%) of people even say that anyone who bets on politics based on inside information should be banned from holding public office.

Trust in politics damaged by betting scandal

The revelations about the scandal have also had an impact on trust in the government. Of those aware of the case, 34% said they had less trust in the former Conservative government. Meanwhile, 27% believe Labour would not manage gambling policy better than the Conservatives.

The survey polled voters from a range of political parties, including Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem and Reform, temporarily setting aside political preferences to gain a broader picture of the British public.

• 76% of Britons want a ban on politicians betting on political outcomes. The gambling scandal, known as “gamblinggate”, revealed that nine people in politics had placed bets on the date of the general election.

• 60% of people want politicians to make their gambling activities public.
• 46% of Britons believe that politicians who gamble with inside information should be banned from holding public office.
• 34% of people aware of the scandal have less trust in the former Conservative government following the revelations. 
• 27% think the Labour Party will not manage gambling policy better than the Conservatives.

The research, conducted by YouGov, polled people from a range of political parties, including Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem and Reform.

Politicians must be held accountable for gambling behavior

OLBG CEO Richard Moffat stressed that politicians must be held accountable for their actions and always act in the best interests of the public. He said politicians must be held accountable because of their public role, despite their right to privacy. 

“Politicians must act in the best interests of the public, and if they have used inside information for financial gain, the consequences could be far-reaching.”

Richard Moffat, CEO of OLBG

The research was conducted by YouGov, with 2,273 adults in the UK surveyed online from 15-16 August 2024.