
How Much Does the UK Spend on Gambling?
The UK gambling industry is booming, with a total revenue of £15.1 billion between April 2022 and March 2023, according to the UK Gambling Commission. But what does this massive figure mean for the average person? How much does each gambler contribute to this staggering sum? Let’s break down the numbers and explore some interesting insights using data on gambling participation.
Gambling in the UK: Who’s Spending?
The most recent statistics reveal that 48% of the UK adult population (aged 18 and over) have participated in some form of gambling over the last four weeks. This means nearly half of the UK’s adult population is contributing to the industry’s £15.1 billion revenue.
The UK has a population of around 53.5 million adults (aged 18+), and with 48% of those adults gambling, that equates to about 25.7 million people actively gambling.
How Much Does the Average Gambler Spend?
Now, let’s break down that £15.1 billion to see how much each gambler contributes:
- £15.1 billion revenue divided by 25.7 million gamblers means the average gambler in the UK spends approximately £588 annually on gambling activities.

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Where Is the Money Going?
This £588 per person isn’t just being spent in one place. The UK’s gambling ecosystem is diverse, and spending is spread across several key categories:
Online Gambling: Online platforms, including casino games, sports betting, and bingo, make up £6.5 billion of the total revenue. This highlights the growing trend toward digital gambling, with 38% of participants engaging in online gambling activities. The average online gambler spends around £253 annually on online platforms.
Brick-and-Mortar Gambling: Traditional gambling venues like betting shops, arcades, and casinos generated £4.5 billion. Despite the convenience of online options, in-person gambling still plays a major role in the UK market, especially among older demographics. The average participant spends approximately £175 annually in these physical venues.
Gaming Machines: A significant portion of the total revenue, £2.4 billion, comes from gaming machines (slot machines and terminals). With the rise of high-stakes gaming terminals, these machines continue to attract substantial interest from players.
Lottery and Good Causes: The National Lottery and other charity lotteries contributed £2.1 billion to the total. This is one of the more accessible forms of gambling, with many people buying tickets both in person and online. Lottery participation is evenly split between men and women, with 32% of the population buying National Lottery tickets regularly.
Breaking It Down by Age and Gender
Now that we know the average gambler spends £588 per year, how does this vary between different age groups and genders? Here are some interesting insights:
Men vs. Women: Men are slightly more likely to gamble than women, with 51% of men gambling compared to 45% of women. Men also tend to engage in higher-stakes gambling like sports betting and casino games, so their average annual spend may exceed the overall £588 average, while women, who are more likely to play the lottery or bingo, might spend slightly less.
Age Groups: Gambling participation peaks in the 45-54 age group, where 34% of this demographic is actively gambling. Those aged 18-24 are the least likely to gamble, but the younger generation is more inclined toward online gambling and mobile apps, which could drive higher future spending in these categories.
For example:
- 45-54-year-olds, who have the highest participation rate, are likely to contribute more than the average of £588 annually. Their preference for sports betting, in-person casino games, and the National Lottery could push their spending well above this figure.
- 18-24-year-olds, who have a lower participation rate but higher engagement with online and mobile betting, are contributing to the £6.5 billion digital gambling segment. Their spending might be lower overall but more concentrated on specific online platforms.

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The Impact of Technology and Convenience
A clear trend in the UK gambling industry is the shift towards online platforms. The convenience of gambling from mobile phones or computers has seen a rise in participation, particularly among younger generations. With 38% of gamblers now using online platforms, we can expect this sector to continue its expansion in the coming years, likely pushing the average annual spend per person higher as new apps, games, and opportunities emerge.
The Responsible Side of Gambling
Despite the industry’s large revenue figures, it’s important to highlight responsible gambling. The UK Gambling Commission continues to implement measures to protect consumers, ensuring that gambling remains a form of entertainment rather than a financial burden.
Interestingly, some sectors, such as the National Lottery, serve a dual purpose: not only do they provide entertainment, but they also contribute to charitable causes, with £2.1 billion going towards good causes in 2023.
Final Thoughts: How Much Do We Really Spend?
To sum up, with an average spend of £588 per gambler per year, the UK gambling industry is a substantial economic force. The popularity of gambling continues to grow, especially online, as more people choose convenience. However, with this comes the need for balance, ensuring that while gambling is fun and exciting, it remains within responsible limits.
As the landscape of gambling shifts toward online platforms and mobile apps, the spending patterns of UK gamblers will continue to evolve. Whether you’re buying a lottery ticket, betting on sports, or spinning the reels on a slot machine, the numbers show just how much the UK enjoys its gambling — to the tune of billions of pounds every year.