What Percentage of People Gamble in the UK?
Understanding Gambling Trends in the UK
Gambling is deeply embedded in British culture, with roots that trace back centuries. Recent findings from the UK Gambling Commission’s Gambling Participation in 2023 report reveal that approximately 48% of adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain engaged in some form of gambling within the last four weeks. This equates to an estimated 24 million individuals, participating in activities ranging from sports betting and the National Lottery to casino gaming and online gaming.
100% Bonus up to £99
+ 99 Free Spins!
New Players Only
18+, Begambleaware.org
Welcome bonus for a new players only | Maximum bonus is 100% up to $/€/£ 99 | Min deposit is $/€/£ 10 | No max cash out | Wagering is 40x bonus | Maximum bet while playing with a bonus is $/€/£ 5 |
Eligibility is restricted for a suspected abuse | Skrill and Neteller deposits excluded. Full T&Cs apply
Breakdown of Gambling Participation by Activity
- National Lottery: Approximately 32% of adults, or 16.5 million people, buy tickets for the National Lottery, making it the most popular form of gambling in the UK.
- Other Charity Lottery Tickets: Around 8 million people (16%) participate in other charity lotteries, further supporting good causes.
- Scratchcards: With about 7 million participants (14%), scratchcards offer instant entertainment, attracting many players.
- Sports Betting: Engaging around 4.5 million adults (9%), sports betting is particularly popular among men (14% participation) compared to women (4%).
- Bingo: Monthly bingo players number around 2.5 million (5%), especially among women.
- Casino Games: Including slots and table games, 1.5 million adults (3%) indulge in casino gaming each month.
Final thoughts:
The UK gambling landscape is diverse and continually evolving, with a significant number of individuals participating in various activities. From the widespread popularity of the National Lottery to the engaging nature of sports betting, bingo, and casino games, there is something for everyone. Understanding these statistics offers valuable insights into consumer behaviour and preferences within the gambling sector.
The gambling landscape in the UK has seen considerable growth, particularly since the turn of the millennium. Factors such as the liberalisation of gambling laws, the rise of online platforms, and the enduring popularity of the National Lottery have all contributed to this upward trend. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop in the coming years.
100% Bonus up to £100!
New Players Only
18+, Begambleaware.org
Welcome bonus for a new players only | Maximum bonus is 100% up to $/€/£ 100 | Min deposit is $/€/£10 | No max cash out | Wagering is 40x bonus | Maximum bet while playing with a bonus is $/€/£5 | Eligibility is restricted for a suspected abuse | Skrill and Neteller deposits excluded | Full T&Cs apply