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Problem gambling 'not increasing'

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Summary

The 'British Gambling Prevalence Survey' is a survey of participation in gambling and the prevalence of problem gambling in Great Britain.

It was undertaken to improve understanding of the nature and scale of gambling in Great Britain, previous to the implementation of the Gambling Act 2005 on 1 September 2007.

The survey was commissioned by the newly created Gambling Commission, as part of their commitment to keeping crime out of gambling, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and vulnerable people from harm from gambling. It was independently carried out by the National Centre for Social Research.

The research covers:

  • Participation in gambling activities
  • The prevalence of problem gambling
  • Attitudes towards gambling.

Key findings include:

  • 68% of adults participated in gambling of some kind last year
  • Problem gambling has not increased over the last eight years
  • 0.6% of the adult population has a problem with gambling
  • The most popular gambling activities are the National Lottery Draw, scratchcards, betting on horse races and playing slot machines
  • There is a widespread view that gambling is harmful for individuals and society.

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Law-Making Explained

This is a Survey from the Gambling Commission, an agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

How does it affect me?

If you work in the gambling sector, are a gambler or are interested in the social effects of gambling, this affects you.

Peter Dean, the Gambling Commission’s Chairman, said:
“The key message is that overall there has been surprisingly little change either in the number of gambling participants or to the number of problem gamblers since 1999. We remain concerned that there are still over a quarter of a million adults who are problem gamblers. The challenge, for us and for the industry, is to tackle this through the new licensing regime that has been put in place from 1 September. British-based gambling operators must now comply with strict and detailed social responsibility obligations, and we will monitor how these requirements are met.”

Data from the Survey will be made available through the UK Data Archive in late March 2008. The Commission plans to repeat the Survey in 2009/2010.

Have Your Say Now

Find out more about the Gambling Commission. (Opens in a new window)

Read more on gambling policy on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. (Opens in a new window)

See more about the Gambling Act 2005 on Have Your Say. (Opens in a new window)

Find out more about the work of the National Centre for Social Research. (Opens in a new window)

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