UK Gambling Commission: Problem gambling rate is "stable"

[The Buzz]

According to a new report by the Gambling Commission, problem gambling statistics in the U.K. remained flat in 2016, but the amount of people participating in gambling dropped 6%.

The new Health Survey states that 1.2% of gamblers were identified as having an issue, which equates to 0.7% of the U.K. population and is consistent with the numbers from the 2012 and 2015 editions of the report.

Tim Miller, Executive Director at the Gambling Commission said:

“The Health Survey, along with 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.

“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.”

Other findings from the report:

• 2.4% of people were classed as low risk gamblers, and 1.1% of people as moderate risk gamblers
• Problem gambling was more prevalent among people who had participated in multiple gambling activities in the past year, than those that had just participated in one
• 57% of adults (aged 16 and over) in Great Britain had gambled in the past year – this is down by 6% compared to 2015
• Men (62%) are more likely to participate in gambling than women (52%)
• Most popular gambling activities were: National Lottery draws (41%), scratchcards (21%) and other lotteries (14%)
• Gambling participation (excluding National Lottery draws only) was highest among 25 – 34 year olds
• Gambling participation was lowest among non-drinkers (36%), followed by those who drank up to 14 units of alcohol per week (59%) and were highest for those who drank more than 14 units per week (69%)

Here is a link to the report: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.u...itain-2016.pdf

[ocreditor]

At least they are monitoring it. so if it's dropping so it's actually improving

[matthewt]

Why do gambling and drinking alcohol go hand in hand? Anyone?

[Sherlock]

New report about 2016?

[universal4]

Why do gambling and drinking alcohol go hand in hand? Anyone?

I would think the preponderance of the studies would lead the answer of that being is that the use of alcohol reduces one's inhibitions, so the decision to make more risky bets, or possibly betting more past the point when the gambler might stop if sober would be true.

I recall a study we discussed here years ago that had many more things cited.

What I found most interesting, is that the Commission clearly found that the lottery drew the higher %, so if they next try and say anything about how bad online gambling is, they should first attack the lottery system.

Rick
Universal4

[ocreditor]

Why do gambling and drinking alcohol go hand in hand? Anyone?

I don't think they go hand by hand...

[matthewt]

hand in hand means in close association. Of 2 things,to accompany one another harmoniously.

hand by hand means... ?

Anywanys, as a hyperbole they accompany one another, but inharmoniously.



Seems to me that people who gamble and drink increase their odds of losing by, oh, say 3-5%. Even if they consider themselves great decision makers while tipsy. Positive thinking only goes so far. It is the higher risk taking for excitement that gets them.

In conclusion, they go hand in hand for foolish gamblers, who do not play the odds.