Survey: Why the British gamble
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3 Feb 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes Last week, a survey conducted by the University of Glasgow in partnership with the National Centre for Social Research was published, shedding new light on why British adults gamble.
The research is the largest of its kind to date. Helen Bryce, Head of Statistics at the Gambling Commission, commented on the results in a blog post.
This study will help legislators to better understand gambling behaviour and guide their actions to better regulate the sector.
An overview of the reasons for gambling
The reasons why people in the UK take up gambling are many and often intertwined. For some, it is the promise of a large financial gain that tips the balance, while others find it above all a source of pleasure or an irresistible adrenaline rush.
A dream of massive winnings
The main driving force behind gambling for the British is clear: the hope of winning a considerable sum. Almost 9 out of 10 players are motivated by this possibility of winning, even though they know that it is very rare to win big.
A persistent financial motivation
Nearly 58% of players said that they saw gambling as an opportunity to earn money. This response illustrates an ambiguous perception, where gambling oscillates between entertainment and financial strategy.
However, experts warn that this motivation can lead to risky behaviour. Awareness campaigns therefore seek to encourage a responsible approach to gambling.
Pleasure
In addition to the financial aspect, 70% of those questioned see gambling as a fun activity. For many, it’s a way of having fun, alone or with friends.
There is also a social motivation in face-to-face gambling such as bingo.
Adrenalin
For 55% of British gamblers, gambling is a source of excitement. The expectation of a result or the thrill of a daring bet seem to fuel this adrenaline.
Key lessons for the future
The findings of this study are set to play a central role in the regulation of gambling in the UK. The aim is to gain a better understanding of gamblers’ motivations in order to offer appropriate protection, particularly against the risks of addiction.
The research also highlights the importance of continuing to study gambling behaviour to ensure that public policy remains relevant in the face of changes in the sector.