UK gambling participation dips slightly, according to latest survey
The Gambling Commission has published data from the latest Gambling Survey for Great Britain.
UK.- The latest Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) has found that overall gambling activity dipped marginally last year. According to figures released by the Gambling Commission, 59 per cent of adults reported gambling in the past 12 months, down from 60 per cent in 2024.
Participation over the previous four weeks also dipped, falling from 48 to 47 per cent, while online gambling held steady at 38 per cent. When National Lottery‑only players are excluded, annual participation slipped from 41 to 40 per cent, and four‑week participation dropped from 28 to 27 per cent.
The National Lottery continues to dominate as the most popular product, with 31 per cent of adults buying tickets. Charity lotteries maintained a 16 per cent participation rate, while scratchcards saw a slight decline from 13 to 12 per cent.
Problem Gambling Rates and Risk Levels
The GSGB also found a modest reduction in problem gambling prevalence. Adults scoring eight or more on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) fell from 2.7 per cent in 2024 to 2.4 per cent in 2025. Moderate‑risk gambling edged up from 3.1 to 3.5 per cent, while low‑risk gambling decreased from 8.8% to 7.8 per cent.
The Commission noted that “at a headline level, consumer engagement in gambling is stable over time – including the number of people who engage in gambling, the level of enjoyment people have when gambling and the number of people scoring eight and over on the Problem Gambling Severity Index.” It added that the survey helps identify trends within specific demographics, such as increased participation among men aged 55 and older.
The regulator stressed the importance of looking beyond a single metric, saying the findings highlight “the importance of understanding the broader consequences and risks of gambling from a range of measures rather than relying on one metric.”
Reports of harm caused by another person’s gambling also declined. The proportion of respondents saying someone close to them gambled fell from 48 to 43.2 per cent, with fewer cases of stress, conflict, or severe consequences linked to others’ gambling.
The latest data comes as the UK government launches a consultation on a proposal to ban unlicensed gambling sponsorship in sport. Secondary legislation is being considered to empower the Secretary of State to regulate gambling advertising, subject to Parliamentary approval. Under such rules, partnering with an unlicensed operator could become a criminal offence, with daily financial penalties for violations.
