Gambling Survey for Great Britain GSGB

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Part 1 – Understanding why people gamble and creating gambling typologies

One of the biggest attractions for customers at new online betting sites is the competitive betting offers, which provide excellent value and opportunities for winning. The variety of games available, including progressive jackpots, slots games, and unique formats, provides exciting opportunities for players. Reviewing gambling history and using software like BetBlocker can block access to UK gambling sites, helping players stay in control. If a problem is suspected, reaching out to support services like BeGambleAware is crucial for getting help. Emerging betting sites feature state-of-the-art mobile apps with unique features and promotions for app users. These advancements in mobile technology are transforming the online UK gambling sites.

The regulatory body was established in 2005 following the passing of the Gambling Act. The UKGC’s purpose is to regulate all commercial gambling enterprises in the UK in conjunction with the proper licensing authorities. The most severe impacts of problem gambling were felt most by immediate family members. Almost half (48%) of people who were affected by a spouse or partner’s gambling reported a severe negative impact. This was followed by people affected by the gambling of a parent (41%) and the gambling of a child (38%).

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Even when gambling is no longer a part of your life, these problems will still remain, so it’s important to address them. If your support network is limited, there are ways to make new friends without relying on visiting casinos or gambling online. Try reaching out to colleagues at work, joining a sports team or book club, enrolling in an education class, or volunteering for a good cause. The first step to overcoming a gambling addiction is realizing that you have a problem. It takes tremendous strength and courage to own up to this, especially if you have lost a lot of money and strained or broken relationships along the way.

Causes and risk factors of compulsive gambling

Duelz Casino, for instance, is renowned for its extensive slot collection and excellent customer service, making it a top choice for many players. On the other hand, Ladbrokes Casino is the go-to site for blackjack enthusiasts, thanks to its superior game offerings. Blackjack is widely viewed as the most popular game among UK casino players due to its easy rules and low house edge. Other popular game options at UK casinos include online slots, table games, and live dealer games, offering something for every type of player at a British casino.

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Most of the studies published on gambling and harm do not allow us to determine that gambling came before the harm. We intended to draw on previous reviews as well as primary studies, but we could not identify any reviews that focused on longitudinal studies. It’s possible that there are more longitudinal studies that we did not identify through this method. With the exception of commercial stakeholders, there was consensus across different types of stakeholders that gambling is a public health issue, and it requires a public health approach. The proportion of children and young people (11 to 16) who participate in any gambling is reducing, similar to the trend in reducing participation in other risky behaviours. But participation in gambling is higher than smoking or taking drugs in this group and is higher in older children and boys.

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All surveys have strengths and limitations and we have outlined the strengths and limitations of our approach in the data analysis and reporting section of the technical report . In Spectrum Gaming’s 63-page dossier the adviser unpacks Evolution’s lacking compliance systems, while also confirming that its games had been available in prohibited markets. The gambling business has made arrangements to protect your money if they go bust. This information was produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Public Engagement Editorial Board (PEEB). BingoBingo Association – The Bingo Industry Self-Exclusion Scheme allows people to self-exclude from bingo halls in the UK.

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Following consultation, the Commission has clarified and extended the operator staff management roles expected to hold a personal management licence. It will also change the good practice code to say licensees should have procedures that require their staff to check the age of any customer who appears to be under 25 years of age, rather than under 21 years of age. The aim is to empower customers by giving them more control over the direct gambling marketing they wish to receive and ensure they do not receive marketing that they do not want.

• Too much time spent on gambling can also lead to relationship and legal problems, job loss, mental health problems including depression and anxiety, and even suicide.
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• New UK betting sites typically feature various bonuses, including deposit bonuses, free bet stake offers, and enhanced odds.
• It can also teach you how to fight gambling urges and solve financial, work, and relationship problems caused by problem gambling.
• As more players join the online gaming community, having a reliable source like Casino.com becomes invaluable in navigating the myriad of options available.
• Additionally, e-wallets like PayPal are popular for their quick processing times and hassle-free transactions.
• These are aimed at those with severe gambling addiction who are unable to avoid gambling without round-the-clock support.
• Each year the Gambling Survey for Great Britain will collect data from twenty thousand respondents and help us better understand peoples’ gambling behaviour and attitudes towards gambling up and down the country.
• These include universal pre-commitment (requiring people to set binding limits of time and money spent gambling) and self-exclusion (allowing people to ban themselves from gambling providers).
• In 2018, 24.5 million people in England gambled (54% of the adult population, or 40% when you exclude the National Lottery).
• Gambling industry groups typically strongly oppose high-impact regulations and other measures that affect their commercial interests.

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The platform also offers numerous live dealer games for an immersive and interactive experience. Looking ahead to 2026, the UK’s online gambling industry is set for continued growth. Continuous innovations and a focus on user experience promise even more exciting opportunities for players.

Advice to Government and gambling-related legislation

Consequently, several data points have been revised, typically by between +/-0.1 percent and +/-1 percent. Participation in National Lottery draws significantly increased by 3 percentage points from the end of 2024, from 29 percent to 32 percent in Wave 1, 2025. Although this represents a significant change compared to the previous wave, the data for the same period in 2024 (January to April) remains consistent with findings from this publication. This begins to highlight both the wave-on-wave differences and the consistent seasonal patterns in gambling participation throughout the year.

• This casino offers a diverse range of themes and gameplay features, ensuring there’s something for every player.
• Most people play without issue, but there are too many cases of addiction, catastrophic financial loss and, in some tragic cases, suicide.
• These general mentions of harm accounted for 50% of all harm-related references.
• Explore the warning signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling and learn how to stop.
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• You can block access to gambling websites by downloading blocking software to your device.
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• It should be noted that in April 2025 HM Treasury opened a consultation (which closed on 21 July 2025) on a proposal to introduce a single remote gambling duty that would apply to all remote gambling activities targeting the UK.
• If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.

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These insights can guide you in making informed decisions, ensuring an optimal online casino experience. A diverse game selection, including slots, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer games, enhances player enjoyment. Effective customer support options like live chat, phone, and email are also essential for addressing player concerns promptly and efficiently. Using PayPal at UK online casinos offers several advantages, including the ability to withdraw funds quickly and securely. This makes it a preferred choice for many players seeking a hassle-free payment method.

If there are online operators servicing British residents without a proper licence from the UKGC, they are considered to be engaging in illegal activity. Excellent customer support is a hallmark of the best online casinos UK, ensuring that players receive the assistance they need promptly and efficiently. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, email, and a contact form at reputable casinos like Magic Red. This round-the-clock availability ensures that players can get help whenever they need it, contributing to a seamless online UK casino experience.

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• Additional spins may be granted upon making a deposit, providing further incentives for players to explore the casino’s offerings.
• Social stressors such as poverty, discrimination or other disadvantage also increase risks.
• Opting for casinos with high RTP percentages increases players’ chances of winning and offers a more rewarding gaming experience.
• Baccarat is also popular, involving bets on whether the player or dealer will have a hand closest to nine.
• Choosing a UK online casino involves considering several factors, including licensing, game variety, bonuses, payment methods, and customer support.
• The NHS and many researchers do not take funds from the voluntary levy due to their concerns over the source of funding.
• This means when we exclude those who only took part in a lottery draw in the past 4 weeks from the overall gambling participation rate, gambling participation falls to 27 percent.
• Anti-plagiarism and AI-detection tools have also been applied to confirm originality.
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• Previously responsible and strong-willed people are just as likely to develop a gambling problem as anyone else.
• Again, if you use your phone or computer to gamble, now is a good time to find another activity that doesn’t involve being online.
• It’s important to remember that credit cards are not permitted for deposits to gambling sites in the UK, in line with regulations aimed at promoting responsible gambling.

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Best UK Gambling Sites

Gaming Machines – The GA 2005 defines gaming machines as a machine designed for use by individuals to gamble. In most cases, this definition applies to slots, otherwise known as fruit or jackpot machines. There are multiple categories for gaming machines based on the maximum prize available. While bingo is considered more of a game of leisure and chance, it is still popular amongst online gamblers.

• This era marked the beginning of a burgeoning industry that has only continued to grow and evolve over the years.
• The regulatory body was established in 2005 following the passing of the Gambling Act.
• Ladbrokes Casino is recognized as the best online casino for blackjack in the UK for 2026.
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• For children and young people, we identified one high-quality review on early risk and protective factors for problem gambling.
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• The white paper will support the ‘land-based’ gambling sector including casinos, arcades and bingo halls, while maintaining safeguards to protect vulnerable groups.
• Mobile gaming provides the convenience of playing on the go and quick access to games while traveling.
• In the meantime the Commission has welcomed a new Betting and Gaming Council interim measure (opens in new tab) which is designed to reduce the need for customers to provide documents where that is not necessary.
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• Free-to-play casino games with prizes are regulated by the Gambling Commission (licence required).
• CasinosSelf Enrolment National Self Exclusion scheme (SENSE) – SENSE allows people to self-exclude from casinos in the UK.

Welcome bonuses are a key factor in attracting new players to online casinos, and the best UK online casinos for 2026 offer some enticing options. Buzz Casino, for example, provides a significant sign-up bonus of 200 free spins with a £10 deposit, making it an attractive choice for slot enthusiasts. Coral Casino offers a £50 sign-up bonus when new players stake just £10, providing excellent value for money.

Self-exclusion helps problem gamblers and allows them to request gambling operators to deny them service. The Gambling Act 2005 – The Gambling Act 2005 is the standard benchmark for legal gambling in the United Kingdom. As the premier gambling law, it dictates the protocols for casinos, poker, sports betting, pools, lottery betting, etc.

Finding alternatives to gambling

There are many reasons why someone might not get help for their gambling disorder. Medication for gambling disorder is typically started by a specialist, such as a consultant psychiatrist working in an NHS Gambling Treatment Service. GPs do not usually initiate naltrexone, but they may be able to take over monitoring and prescribing after the initial titration has been undertaken by the specialist and a safe and effective dose has been established. We publish information to help people understand more about mental health and mental illness, and the kind of care they are entitled to.

• By playing live blackjack, bettors are in with a chance of revealing one of Ladbrokes’ Lucky Cards, granting punters either a £5 free sports bet or £5 in cash.
• The NICE guidelines also have a link to the national prescribing guidelines for naltrexone in gambling disorder.
• Four percent of participants in this study reported gambling more during lockdown, but 20% of those were identified as experiencing problem gambling.
• This regulatory framework ensures that players can enjoy a secure online casino experience.
• Reporting child abuse, NSPCC – If you are concerned that a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, the NSPCC can provide you with advice.
• Its heyday was in the Industrial Revolution era and came through horse race betting and small-time games played in local pubs.
• Limiting the capacity of vested interests to influence the research agenda and public policies are among the key public health objectives.
• Strict regulation and enforcement are also required to ensure compliance with existing laws.
• It’s possible that there are more longitudinal studies that we did not identify through this method.
• Exploring trends and innovations in the online casino UK industry reveals what makes each platform unique.

Lottomatica/Cirsa tie-up shines spotlight on North Africa’s online betting licensing gap

Blackjack is a favorite due to its straightforward rules, where the goal is to reach a hand value closest to 21 without exceeding it. Choosing UK-licensed online casinos ensures player safety and regulatory compliance. Live dealer games are a recent and exciting development, bringing the thrill of a physical casino to players’ screens through interaction with real dealers and participants. The convenience of online gambling games, combined with the immersive experience of live dealer games, offers a compelling alternative to traditional land-based casinos. In contrast with some jurisdictions, only casinos form part of the “regulated sector” for AML purposes, though all operators are required to conduct detailed risk assessments and implement AML policies, procedures and controls. British regulation passes through the full effect of EU anti-money laundering and terrorist financing measures.

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Whether you’re looking for the best slots, live dealer games, or overall gaming experience, the best UK casinos have something to offer. Positive member feedback and exceptional user experiences are common traits among these top-rated platforms. This combination of no deposit bonuses and additional spins ensures players have multiple opportunities to win without significant initial investment. No deposit bonuses are an excellent way for new players to test out a casino and its games without financial commitment. They offer a risk-free way to experience the online casino environment and decide if it meets their expectations. Comparing the value of online casino promotions helps players choose the best offers to maximize their gaming experience.

• By choosing reliable and secure payment options, players can ensure a smooth and hassle-free online gambling UK experience.
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• The link between gambling and suicide and self-harm was supported by qualitative studies.
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• With its wide selection of blackjack variants and live dealer options, it provides an exceptional gaming experience for blackjack enthusiasts.
• The live dealer games at BetMGM deliver an experience akin to being physically present in a casino online UK, making it a top choice for players seeking a realistic gaming experience.
• The online gambling participation rate (in the past 4 weeks) was 38 percent, which falls to 16 percent when lottery draw only players are removed.
• If you gamble, find out how you can play more safely and protect yourself from harm.
• Roulette is another classic game where players predict the number or color where a ball will land on a spinning wheel.
• The qualitative studies described that adult gamblers had lost jobs, were demoted or resigned due to gambling.
• Ladbrokes has a huge range of offers on both its sportsbook and online casino, catering to all types of gamblers.
• For instance, young men between the ages of 18 and 29 tend to gravitate to compulsive gambling habits.
• In 2026, the best online casinos in the UK continue to innovate and provide players with a wide range of gaming options.
• Evaluating your gaming needs and comparing different platforms can help you find the perfect match.
• To date, the typical outcome has been the imposition of a financial penalty or a substantial financial settlement that the operator has negotiated with the regulator in lieu of a formal statutory penalty.

Although HSE is a good data source, not all topics relevant to gambling are included and we had to rely on other sources of published data to fill gaps. Stakeholder views were consistent about the hidden nature of gambling-related harms, in that many harms are not apparent to others. According to 2020 YouGov data on gambling treatment and support (PDF, 1.4MB), around 7% of the population of Great Britain (adults and children) were found to be negatively affected by someone else’s gambling. The North West (4.4%) and North East (4.9%) had the highest prevalence of people gambling at levels of elevated risk, while the South West (3.0%) had the lowest prevalence. Due to small numbers, it was not possible to determine the levels of problem gambling for each region in England with any statistical significance. We used a mixed methods approach for this review, including quantitative, qualitative and rapid review methodologies.

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These include financial stress, relationship breakdown, family violence, mental illness and suicide. The legacy of gambling harm can endure throughout one’s life and transmit intergenerationally. These include ending advertising and promotions, providing centralized account registration to require those who gamble to set binding loss limits, and restrictions relating to access and availability (opening hours, density). Strict regulation and enforcement are also required to ensure compliance with existing laws. Magic Red Casino, for example, boasts an impressive payout percentage of 97.83%, indicating favorable odds for players. Online slots generally offer better RTP percentages compared to physical slot machines, thanks to lower operational costs.

Activities and locations of gambling

The UK hosts some of the world’s best online casinos, offering diverse games, generous bonuses, and exceptional user experiences. Southern Gambling Service – The Southern Gambling Service offers high quality assessment and evidence-based treatments for people with gambling-related harms or gambling disorder. The service is open to people aged 17 and older who live in or are registered with a GP in the South East of England. Our rapid review on the impact of the initial COVID-19 restrictions included 19 quantitative studies, but only 3 of these examined the impacts of COVID-19 on gambling over time.

Gambling may also divert normal consumption expenditure from other businesses. Downloading Android casino apps from the casino’s official website may be necessary if they are not available on the Google Play Store. This ensures that players get the official version of the app, which is secure and reliable. A knowledgeable support team can swiftly address issues, contributing significantly to player satisfaction. Whether it’s a technical problem, a question about a game, or an issue with a payment, having a competent support team on hand makes a big difference.

By understanding players in more detail, we can understand which interventions are preferred by which types of players. Reward was the primary factor to gambling – enjoyment and fun were also drivers, but motivators can vary depending on the situation and activity. The first statutory gambling operator levy will replace the current voluntary levy which is not fit for purpose. As it stands not all betting companies pay their fair share and some have paid as little as £1. The NHS and many researchers do not take funds from the voluntary levy due to their concerns over the source of funding.

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The research created eight typologies which reflect the attitude and motivations towards a certain gambling occasion. The typologies apply to gambling occasions, not people and therefore one person could fall into different typologies in different situations. Its proceeds will be ring-fenced for funding for research, education and treatment, including through the NHS. Today’s White Paper and proposals follow a call for evidence and are based on nearly 16,000 written submissions sent to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) during the process.

Overall prevalence of gambling

• Millions of people enjoy gambling every year – whether that be putting money on a horse, playing at a casino, or a bet on the football – and much of this is now done through smartphones.
• A nationally representative sample of 4,932 adults aged 18 and over were surveyed during the period 13 January 2025 to 27 April 2025.
• Problem gambling can sometimes be a symptom of bipolar disorder, so your doctor or therapist may need to rule this out before making a diagnosis.
• Similarly, PlayOJO allows players to earn comp points for their gameplay, which can be used to level up and receive various rewards.
• BetGoodwin, for example, focuses on horse racing with exclusive daily free bets and money-back specials, catering to enthusiasts of this niche market.
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• Information on the advice provided by the Gambling Commission to help inform government policy on updates to the Gambling Act 2005 along with gambling legislation in Great Britain.
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• Following consultation, the Commission has clarified and extended the operator staff management roles expected to hold a personal management licence.
• Blaming others is one way to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, including what is needed to overcome the problem.
• Best online casinos UK provide customer support across multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone.
• It’s particularly important not to get carried away by casino offers or free bet offers, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution.
• Mobile gambling UK apps have become essential in today’s fast-paced world, offering the flexibility to play favorite games anytime, anywhere, making online gambling sited UK more accessible.

Overall participation in any gambling activity (in the past 4 weeks) was 48 percent. Despite a significant increase from the previous wave (46 percent), this figure is consistent with participation levels we saw for the same period in 2024. The data being released today is the latest edition of the Gambling Commission’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain chiken road (GSGB) conducted by the National Centre for Social Research. A nationally representative sample of 4,932 adults aged 18 and over were surveyed during the period 13 January 2025 to 27 April 2025.