UKGC: Five-year data shows clear reduction in rate of at-risk gamblers

The UK has seen a “significant” drop in moderate and low-risk gambling rates for the year to March 2021, according to the latest data from the Gambling Commission (UKGC).

Speaking at the Shared Financial Vulnerability Summit, acting UKGC CEO Sarah Gardner revealed the first full set of data on participation and problem gambling prevalence rates between March 2020 and March 2021, which includes the first full set of yearly data since the start of the pandemic.

Gambling participation among players at a moderate risk of gambling-related harm fell annually from 1.5% to 0.6%, a decrease of 0.9% year-on-year.

Low-risk gambling rates in the UK also decreased over this period, falling from 2.7% to 1.9%.

Problem gambling rates in the UK dropped from 0.6% in the pre-pandemic period to 0.4% in March 2021, although the regulator suggests this drop is not significant at the 95% level it demands.

“While the drop in the problem gambling rate is not significant at the 95% level that we demand, the drop in moderate and low-risk gambling is,” Gardner explained.

“In addition, if we look at the longer-term trend over the last five years, the data shows a clear reduction in the rate of at-risk gamblers and suggests that we may be starting to see a decline in the overall rate of problem gambling.

“This does not mean we will take our foot off the accelerator when it comes to protecting consumers – instead it should be seen as an opportunity to continue building momentum in our efforts to make gambling safer,” she added.

The decrease in problem, moderate and low-gambling rates to March 2021 contrasts with the assertions of several campaign groups which have suggested the UK-wide lockdown would lead to an increase in harmful gambling behaviour.

However, UK data is still to be collected and released on the latter part of the pandemic and its effects on gambling behaviour.