The UK Gambling Commission has published the first Gambling Survey for Great Britain, which aims to establish a new benchmark for understanding gambling behaviour in the country. The survey features responses from 9,804 people and will increase to around 20,000 by next year. It provides insights into gambling participation rates, types of gambling activities, and the consequences of gambling on individuals and those close to them.
The survey found that 48% of adults aged 18 and over participated in any form of gambling in the past four weeks, with 27% excluding those who only participated in lottery draws. Male participants were more likely to gamble than females, and the most common reasons for gambling were the chance of winning big money and enjoyment.
The survey also used the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to assess the risk of problematic gambling behavior. It found that 2.5% of respondents had a PGSI score of 8 or more, indicating a high risk of problem gambling. This figure is significantly higher than previous estimates, which were around 0.3%. The survey also noted that the use of slot machines and online slots is more likely to lead to problem gambling.
The methodology of the survey has faced criticism from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), which argues that the new approach may overstate both gambling participation and associated harms. The BGC points to the potential for unreliable findings due to the shift to online self-completion, which tends to produce higher estimates of both gambling participation and associated harms.
Despite these reservations, the survey provides valuable insights into the prevalence of gambling harms in Great Britain. The data suggests that the scale of harm caused by gambling could be as much as eight times higher than previously thought, with more than one in 40 of those who gambled in the last year experiencing severe harm to their life. This includes relationship breakdowns, financial problems, and even suicide attempts.
The findings of the survey have sparked a wider debate on the need for a statutory levy on the gambling industry to fund prevention and treatment services. Campaigners have urged the government to introduce such a levy to combat problem gambling and related harms.
These findings underscore the importance of recognizing the dangers of gambling and the need for responsible gambling practices. It is crucial to be aware of the potential consequences and to seek help if gambling behaviour becomes problematic.
Just stop gambling!
