UKGC survey reveals problem gambling rates remain “stable”

The Gambling Commission (UKGC) has released its latest report into gambling behaviour in the UK, revealing the rates of problem gambling have not increased dramatically and have remained at a “statistically stable” 0.7% of the UK population, comparable to those reported in 2012 (0.5%) and 2015 (0.9%).

The Health survey, commissioned by the UKGC and produced by the National Centre for Social research, asked approximately 16,000 people a number of people a range of questions regarding gambling-related issues in 2016.

Of the individuals surveyed, 0.7% of responders were classified as problem gamblers, which was consistent with figures returned in the 2012 and 2015 surveys, while 2.4% of people were classed as low-risk gamblers.

Referencing the report, Tim Miller, executive director at the Gambling Commission said: “All of our evidence and data indicates that the problem gambling rate in Great Britain is stable. However, we want to see a sustained and significant reduction in the levels of problem gambling and will continue to drive the industry to build momentum towards this goal.”

57% of UK adults (aged 16 or over) participating in the survey had gambled within the last year, a 6% reduction on figures reported during 2015, with men more likely to gamble (62%) than women (52%).

The National Lottery remains the most popular form of gambling for UK punters, with 41% of individuals surveyed playing regularly, beating scratchcards which had 21% respondent participation and other lotteries with 14%.

Around 9% of individuals responding to the survey had gambled online during the year, comparable with the 7% reported in 2012 and 9.4% in 2015.

Miller added: “Understanding the level of problem gambling is an important part of making gambling safer, but what this data won’t show is the extent of the harm someone may be experiencing, or the wider impact upon their families and their communities.”