UK Gambler Profile: Over 41% of gamblers face serious problems

A new study from the UK Gambling Commission paints a bleak picture of the state of gambling in Britain. Looking at data from 9,804 adults, the survey found significant differences between lottery players and those who participate in other forms of gambling. It also highlights a more serious problem: over 41% of UK gamblers showing signs of addiction have suffered serious consequences, ranging from relationship breakdown to significant financial problems. This alarming figure underlines the urgent need to act to protect the most vulnerable gamblers.

Gambling involvement

In the four weeks prior to the survey, almost half (48%) of respondents aged 18 and over reported having participated in some form of gambling. However, this figure drops to 27% when lottery players are excluded.

Online gambling is slightly more popular than in-person gambling (37% vs. 29%), but this difference is mainly explained by the purchase of lottery tickets online. Excluding lotteries, 15% of participants gambled online compared to 18% in person.

Lottery players are a distinct group from other players. They are older and less likely to gamble regularly. In contrast, non-lottery players are generally younger and participate in an average of 2.2 different gambling activities.

Gamblers were asked to rate their feelings towards gambling on a scale of 0 to 10. 41% of players gave a positive rating (between 6 and 10), while 37% chose a neutral rating (5) and 21% chose a negative rating (between 0 and 4). These results are similar when excluding lottery players, with a slight shift towards a more positive assessment (50% positive, 31% neutral and 19% negative).

Gambling consequences

The study looked in detail at the consequences of gambling and risky behaviours. Gamblers who bet on non-sporting events in person were nine times more likely to develop a gambling addiction than the average gambler. Those who played online slots were six times more likely.

The study found a link between the level of gambling problems and the consequences experienced. 41.3% of gamblers with a high Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score reported at least one serious consequence. This figure gradually decreased as the PGSI score decreased.

Relationship breakups were the most frequently cited consequence by gamblers (1.6%). Other important consequences include reduced daily spending (6.6%), lying to loved ones (6.4%) and feeling isolated (5.5%).

Impact on others

Nearly half of the participants reported that someone close to them gambled. The most commonly reported consequences for others included relationship breakdown (3.5%), embarrassment, guilt or shame, conflict or arguments and health problems related to stress and anxiety.

This study highlights the significant differences between lottery players and those who participate in other forms of gambling. Lottery games appear to present a lower risk of developing gambling problems, while betting on non-sporting events and online slot tend to create more addiction problems and suffer the consequences.