UK Gambling Commission Reports 1.4 Million Adults Face Gambling Problems
New Report Reveals Gambling Issues Among UK Adults
The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission has released revealing statistics highlighting that approximately 1.4 million adults in Britain—over 2.5% of the adult population—experience difficulties related to gambling.
Prevalence of Gambling and Its Impact in the UK
Gambling holds a significant place in UK society, with betting shops commonly found on local high streets and sports betting being a popular pastime for many citizens. Research indicates that nearly half of adults aged 18 and older in Great Britain have engaged in gambling activities within the past month. Excluding lottery participation, this figure declines to 28%. However, for some individuals who develop gambling problems, the effects can be profoundly damaging.
The Gambling Commission previously cautioned against extrapolating survey percentages to the entire population. Yet, after expert statistical review, the Commission revised its methodology, adopting a new approach that now serves as its standard for measuring problem gambling prevalence. This contrasts with earlier estimates that placed the figure at just 0.4%.
Reactions from the Gambling Sector
The Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), representing the UK gambling industry, has challenged the revised figures, referencing the earlier 0.4% estimate. They attribute the discrepancy to differences in survey methods.
A BGC spokesperson emphasized that over 22 million adults in Britain place bets monthly, with the vast majority doing so responsibly. The industry group also highlighted that its members have voluntarily invested around GBP 170 million (approximately $211 million) over the past four years into initiatives focused on research, education, and treatment to address problem gambling. This proactive effort stands in contrast to the expanding illegal gambling market, where about 1.5 million individuals wager around GBP 4.3 billion (about $5.4 billion), often targeted by unscrupulous operators exploiting vulnerable people.
Government Pushes for Increased Contributions from Gambling Industry
The Gambling Commission’s latest assessment emerged shortly before Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicated intentions to increase taxation on the gambling sector in the forthcoming autumn budget. At a recent Labour conference event, she argued that bookmakers and online casinos should contribute more financially.
Additionally, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has proposed raising gambling duties by up to GBP 3 billion ($3.7 billion) to help fund the removal of the two-child benefit cap. This proposal aligns with recommendations from think tanks such as the Social Market Foundation and the Institute for Public Policy Research. While industry insiders expect some form of tax increase, they predict it will likely be less than the GBP 3 billion suggested by Brown.
