Published on: October 3, 2025, 11:09h.
Updated on: October 3, 2025, 11:09h.
- The UK’s annual Gambling Survey highlights the issue of problem gambling
- Approximately 1.4 million individuals in the UK engage in harmful gambling behavior
According to the UK Gambling Commission, recent studies indicate that nearly 3% of the population encounters gambling-related issues.
The Gambling Survey for Great Britain, carried out by the National Center for Social Research and the University of Glasgow, surveyed 19,714 adults, marking the largest sample ever in the survey’s annual history, to assess how gambling influences society.
Findings showed that almost 48% of adults aged 18 and older in Great Britain engaged in gambling within the last month. However, participation dropped to 28% when lottery tickets were excluded.
The data indicated that 2.7% of adults attained a score of 8 or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, a standard measure for assessing gambling disorders in clinical settings. A score exceeding 8 illustrates that an individual’s gambling habits are causing significant life issues.
Thus, 2.7% translates to approximately 1.4 million people in the UK dealing with gambling addiction.
The annual Gambling Survey aims to guide the UKGC in targeting regulatory measures and responsible gambling initiatives effectively.
Impacts of Gambling
Gambling is prevalent in the UK, with betting shops being a long-standing fixture on High Streets and sports betting an everyday activity for many. Nonetheless, this leisure pursuit bears serious consequences when individuals lose control over their gambling.
The current findings enhance our comprehension of the ramifications of gambling and offer vital insights into the risk profiles of frequent gamblers. We urge operators to leverage this data to assess the risks within their customer demographics,” stated Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission.
The UKGC remains committed to safeguarding the public from the hazards associated with problem gambling.
In 2019, the maximum wager on slot-like fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) was reduced drastically from £100 to £2. Additionally, Rhodes mentioned that the commission has lowered the intensity of online gaming by prohibiting auto-play and moderating game speeds. Age verification regulations in establishments have also been tightened.
The UKGC has mandated that gaming operators perform “light-touch financial vulnerability assessments” on customers betting over £150 monthly. These assessments, requiring no action from the customer, won’t affect the individual’s credit score but will conduct a soft review of their financial status using publicly accessible data.
Moreover, the UKGC has instructed gaming companies to halt requiring customers to wager bonus and promotional funds a specific number of times prior to withdrawal.
Stability in Severe Problem Gambling Rates
The rate of problem gambling in the UK remained unchanged in 2024; thus, the 2.7% of adults facing gambling issues was regarded as “statistically stable” compared to 2023, according to the UKGC report.
A score of more than 8 on the Problem Gambling Severity Index signifies “problem gambling, where individuals face detrimental consequences from gambling and may have lost control over their actions. Involvement in gambling can vary in severity, but is often extensive,” as described by the PGCI website.