YouGov: 50% of UK players to reduce or stop gambling spend as living cost crisis continues
Almost one in five to stop gambling altogether as inflation and rising costs grip the nation
Half of all UK gamblers are set to reduce their spending or stop gambling altogether as the cost of living crisis continues to grow, according to a new study.
A survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of DoTrust showed 32% of respondents said they would be spending less on gambling in the coming months.
An additional 18% said they would stop playing entirely in order to manage their finances, with the UK in the middle of a serious economic crisis.
Last week, the UK’s inflation rate rose to a 30-year high of 6.2% with consumers having seen energy, petrol, food and council tax prices soar.
The survey also found 59% said the reductions in gambling spend was directly due to the pressure on their finances.
Elsewhere, 11% of respondents said they were already struggling to meet essential bills and expenses.
YouGov’s survey took in 700 respondents of current and recent gamblers, excluding lottery-only players.
Charles Cohen, DoTrust CEO, said: “Inflation is at levels not seen for decades and this is translating into a fast-moving affordability crisis for the gambling industry.
“Wait-and-see is not an option: operators need real-time financial data more than ever,” he added.