UK regulators have made a number of major changes in the last few years, and many of these have been in response to a perceived rise in problem gambling. We have seen significant changes in maximum wagers and slot spin times, as well as a complete ban on credit card gambling. It seemed like they were making a difference, but the recently published Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) suggests that problem gambling could be much bigger than previously thought.
What is the GSGB?
The GSGB is published by the UK Gambling Commission. It compiles official statistics on gambling across the United Kingdom, spanning over 10,000 participants every year. The sample size reduces the margin for error often seen in much smaller surveys and paints a fairly accurate picture of the state of gambling in the country. This report is then used by lawmakers and gambling organisations to influence changes in the sector.
With that in mind, let’s look at the 2024 report to see what it had to say.
What Did It Say?
According to the aforementioned report, as many as 2.5% of people in the UK have struggled with problem gambling. If we extrapolate to cover the entire UK population, that accounts for a potential 1.3 million problem gamblers nationwide.
It’s a huge number, and it’s scary news for the organisations tasked with protecting the UK gambling population. In previous surveys, it was estimated that just 0.3% of the population were problem gamblers.
Of course, it’s still just an estimate. It doesn’t mean there are actually 1.3 million problem gamblers in the country, but it certainly seems that the issue is growing. So, what’s the issue? Why have these numbers increased so much?
Why is Problem Gambling Growing in the UK?
There are two likely reasons behind the apparent increase in problem gambling.
The first, and potentially the most notable, is the survey itself. There is a certain stigma attached to problem gambling. It’s not an issue that people are willing to admit to. If you approach everyone who leaves a betting shop and question them on problem gambling, you could, theoretically, discover what percentage of frequent gamblers have a problem.
But if you had such an issue, would you admit it to a stranger on the street? Would you admit it over the phone? It might be easier talking to a stranger than a family member, but what if your partner or kids are in earshot and you don’t want them to know?
The GSGB was conducted by inviting 2 adults from selected households to submit an online survey. There was no face-to-face interaction, and the respondents had every chance and every reason to be truthful.
On the other hand, problem gambling may have actually gotten worse. Probably not by the 8-fold increase mentioned above, but it could have had an impact. We’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis right now. People are struggling. And while that perhaps should lead to less gambling, the opposite is actually true.
A YouGov survey found that over 4 in 10 problem gamblers were more likely to gamble during tough financial times, with many of these believing that gambling could help their situation. It’s an impulsive, all-or-nothing attitude, but that’s the same mentality that drives problem gambling.
How Will the Government Respond?
It remains to be seen how the regulators will respond to this report, but with a new government in power and the spotlight shining on the industry, we expect more changes will be coming.
Are you affected by Problem Gambling?
If you or someone you know is affected by problem gambling, call GamCare on 0808 8020 133 for free 24/7 confidential advice for anyone affected by gambling problems.
