UKGC survey: Online gambling activity on the rise

[The Buzz]

The UK Gambling Commission released results of its quarterly telephone survey conducted by Yonder Consulting.

A nationally representative sample of 4,007 adults aged 16 and over were interviewed via telephone in March, June, September and December 2020. Approximately one-quarter of the data was collected before any national restrictions were implemented in Great Britain and approximately three-quarters of the data was collected during periods of restricted activity later in 2020.

One of the key takeaways: Overall, in the year to December 2020, nearly 24% of adults had gambled online in the previous four weeks, which is an increase (3 percentage points) since 2019 and a 6 percentage point increase since 2016.

Other key facts from the survey:

• Overall participation in any gambling activity in the last four weeks has fallen to 42% (a 5 percentage point decline compared to the previous year)
• Online gambling participation is up to 24% (an increase of 3 percentage points), whilst in person participation is down 9 percentage points to 26%.
• National Lottery draws and other lotteries have seen increases in online play and decreases in in person play.
• In other activities, there have been decreases in participation in in-person football pools, bingo, betting on horse races, betting on other events and casino games.
• The overall problem gambling rate is 0.3%, compared to 0.6% the previous year, although this decrease is not a statistically significant decrease on the previous year's figures 1.
• The moderate risk rate is statistically stable (0.9%), whilst the low risk rate has shown a significant decrease from 2.7% to 2.0%.
• Levels of agreement that gambling is conducted fairly and can be trusted have remained stable at 29%.

Read more about the survey with detailed results here: https://beta.gamblingcommission.gov....r-2020#details

[Cash Bonus]

Interesting results. Why on Earth would a 16 year old even be considered of "adult" age? That in itself is really troubling.

[TheBoyMitchell]

One of the key takeaways: Overall, in the year to December 2020, nearly 24% of adults had gambled online in the previous four weeks, which is an increase (3 percentage points) since 2019 and a 6 percentage point increase since 2016.

Why would this be a key takeaway? All the bookies have been shut since way before Christmas, so the *only* place you could place a bet would be online.

If anything, I'm surprised its so low.

[mickyfu]

Interesting results. Why on Earth would a 16 year old even be considered of "adult" age? That in itself is really troubling.

Possibly because in the UK you can leave school at 16 and start working. 16 / 18 it is all the same.

[gil.langelaan]

Interesting results. Why on Earth would a 16 year old even be considered of "adult" age? That in itself is really troubling.

Yes, agree.

It is troubling.

[ocreditor]

I also agree that this is very troubling, 16 & 18 are completely different ages in my opinion..
On the results side; the UK have a legacy of gambling which is part of their culture historically, and the survey results just reflect it so I'm not so surprised with the results

[PROFRBcom]

Why would this be a key takeaway? All the bookies have been shut since way before Christmas, so the *only* place you could place a bet would be online.

If anything, I'm surprised its so low.

I was thinking the exact same thing. Way small increase... the ****.

[JamieG1981]

With all of the UK stuck in lockdown for the majority of the last year, is there an activity you can do at home that hasn't increased?

[Sherlock]

sex

[Casino Gamerz]

16-17 years old shouldnt be on the list I agree. It doesnt sit well with me that!.