UK Gambling Commission Reports 1.4 Million Problem Gamblers Across Britain

The UK Gambling Commission's latest Gambling Survey for Great Britain, which included nearly 20,000 adults, found that 48% gambled in the past month, though this dropped to 28% excluding lottery tickets. Approximately 2.7% of adults, or about 1.4 million people, scored 8 or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, indicating significant gambling problems, a figure now considered a reliable national estimate. The survey highlighted that gambling participation and related harms are disproportionately higher in economically deprived areas, where weekly gambling rates are nearly double those in affluent areas. Certain gambling formats such as slot machines and in-play sports betting are associated with higher problem gambling rates. While most gamblers view their activity as positive or entertaining, there is concern that gambling may exacerbate social and economic disadvantages in vulnerable communities. The findings come amid ongoing debates around gambling regulation and potential tax increases on the industry to address social harms and fund public services.