Online gambling in the UK has reached a record level amid a constant turnover of government and a growing problem of gambling. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Amazing numbers
More than one in four people in the UK gamble online, according to figures from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
44% of UK residents bet in person, only missing the pre-pandemic mark
While 27% of people gamble online, 44% of UK residents bet in person, just missing the pre-pandemic mark of 47% as of September 2019. The pervasive gambling market has caused pride and anxiety for the various entities.
With the recent change of prime minister, there may be updates to gambling laws soon. Regardless, it is safe to say that the UK will continue to grow its fruitful market with or without new legislation.
UK gambling detail
The panel’s study was analyzed by the UK Addiction Treatment Group (UKAT), which found that the 25- to 34-year-old had the largest increase in participation. 43% of people in this age group have gambled at least once in the past four weeks, an increase of 5% over the same period the previous year.
The 35-44 age group showed the largest increase in online gambling, increasing from 29% to 32%. UKAT has also shared that every age group except for those 65+ has increased their participation in online gambling.
UKAT has also revealed an increase in problem gambling rates. The 16-24 age group showed the largest increase, jumping to 1.4% from 0.4% the year before.
Problem gambling has always been a danger to the UKGC. There were encouraging signs earlier this year when the National Lottery reported an increase in total sales and a decrease in problem gambling rates, but the latest revelations contradict their findings.
Nuno Albuquerque, UKAT’s lead treatment consultant, is pressing the government to publish its long-awaited white paper on gambling reform.
We are still waiting for the 2005 Gambling Reform White Paper.”
“Online gambling is on the rise again and we are still waiting for the 2005 Gambling Reform White Paper – the situation is getting serious,” he said. “Yes, there has been political turmoil, but we really need to see the results of this long-awaited reform so we can better protect those who gamble.”
Changes at the top
The UK gambling market, despite its great success, is in a crucial period. There is pressure on the Premier League and the English Football League to end their association with the betting institutions, while government oversight has been tainted by the constant change of prime ministers.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would hear a white paper on gambling reform, but quit before he could make good on his promise. Replacement Liz Truss showed no interest in the matter.
The burden now falls on Rishi Sunak, who was officially passed on Tuesday morning. However, it appears to be more focused on other areas in the short term.
“I will put economic stability and confidence at the center of this government’s agenda,” Sunak said in his first statements as the country’s 57th prime minister. “This work begins immediately.”
according to discovererApproximately 1.27 billion pounds ($1.46 billion) is gambled in the UK annually. This year’s total could easily surpass that mark with the allure of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
