UK online gambling up 50% in past six years

UK online gambling participation has increased by 50% over the past six years in part due to a sharp rise in online betting among the 18-34 age group, according to a study published by the Gambling Commission this morning.

The Trends in Gambling Behaviour 2008-2014 telephone study showed participation in remote gambling, defined as gambling once in a four-week period, had increased from 9.7% in the 12 months ended December 2008 to 14.9% in 2014.

“Participation in remote gambling is growing quickly, and appears to be reaching new audiences,” the study said in its conclusion.

Much of the rise came from online betting participation which increased from 1.9% in 2009 to 3.3% in the year-ended December 2014, with the biggest rise amongst people aged 18-34.

The growth in male participation was shown to have grown from 11.7% in 2008 to 18% last year, a faster increase than from the female demographic which was up from 7.8% to 12.8%.

The survey also found an increase in participation from March 2012 onwards and found online gambling participation was linked more closely to macro-economic factors and the growth of mobile gambling than overall gambling trends.

According to the study, conducted by independent research consultancy Databuild Research and Solutions, a 1% increase in the consumer price index was associated with a corresponding 2.3% point increase in online gambling.

Overall gambling participation in the UK dropped slightly to 53% of adults, and to 33% when National Lottery participation is excluded.