The dangers of daily gambling in the UK
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27 Dec 2024 •
Reading time: 3 minutes Daily gambling, long seen as a rare phenomenon, is becoming an increasingly common occurrence for many Britons. A recent study by Nationwide, one of the country’s leading financial institutions, highlights the growing scale of this phenomenon.
A worrying trend
The report reveals that daily gambling habits have become a major problem, not only for the gamblers themselves, but also for families and society as a whole.
The study looks in particular at the impact of daily gambling, which is affecting a growing number of people, particularly young adults. This trend is causing growing concern among public health experts, politicians and financial institutions, who are worried about the long-term consequences for individuals and the country’s economy.
A fast-growing phenomenon: who are the gamblers?
Nationwide research reveals that daily gambling is now practised by 11% of the UK population. Whereas gambling used to be seen as an occasional activity, more and more people are spending time and money on it every day. In particular, more and more young adults are turning to online gambling platforms, which offer quick and easy access.
According to the study, a significant proportion of online gamers are aged between 18 and 25. This is the demographic group that shows the greatest propensity to participate in daily gambling, with sometimes dramatic consequences for their personal and financial well-being. 45% of them find their gambling habits ‘uncontrollable’.
The financial and psychological impact of daily gambling
The consequences of daily gambling are many and worrying. From a financial point of view, regular gamblers risk losing a significant amount of money on a daily basis, which can affect their economic stability. The average amount lost per year is £351 (€423). The data reveals that gambling losses are often unpredictable and can quickly accumulate, leading gamblers into a vicious circle where the quest for gains causes them to lose control.
The report also highlights the negative psychological effects of daily gambling, including increased stress, anxiety and addiction-related disorders. Experts believe that people who gamble frequently are more likely to develop compulsive behaviours and suffer deleterious effects on their mental health. In addition, daily gambling can have repercussions on social and family relationships, with gamblers becoming increasingly isolated and detached from their loved ones.
Measures to counter the proliferation of daily gambling
Faced with this surge in daily gambling, the British authorities are under pressure to take concrete measures to reduce the risks and harm associated with the practice.
Some are calling for better public education on the dangers of gambling. The report stresses that a preventive approach is crucial, particularly when it comes to raising awareness of the risks associated with daily gambling. Initiatives aimed at offering psychological support and promoting responsible behaviour are also seen as important solutions for limiting the impact of gambling on society.
It is now also possible for gamblers to block themselves from gambling for 72 hours thanks to a collaboration between Nationwide and GamCare.
A social phenomenon that raises questions about regulation
Beyond individual concerns, the study also raises crucial questions about the regulation of gambling in the UK. The online gambling market is growing rapidly, and this rapid expansion raises concerns about the ability of the authorities to regulate the industry effectively. Experts say that strict measures need to be put in place to prevent more and more Britons from becoming addicted to gambling.
Regulation of online gambling platforms could include restrictions on advertising, limits on the amounts that can be wagered and increased protection for vulnerable players. At the same time, support programmes for compulsive gamblers and educational resources could help to reduce the number of people affected by this practice.
As the number of gamblers increases, particularly among young adults, it is imperative that effective measures are put in place to regulate the sector and protect individuals from the dangers of compulsive gambling.