The Gambling Commission of Great Britain (GSGB)’s second annual gambling survey reveals that individuals aged 18 to 34 are over six times more likely to suffer "severe" consequences from gambling compared to those over 55. Based on responses from 19,714 people across the UK, the survey found that 5.3% of young respondents experienced severe consequences due to gambling in the past 12 months, compared to only 0.8% of the older group. The survey also discovered that male gamblers are nearly twice as likely to face severe consequences as females, with only a small number of respondents seeking help for gambling issues. These data provide a crucial evidence base for UK gambling regulation and policy-making.
Survey Overview and Methodology
The Gambling Commission recently released its second annual gambling survey (GSGB), assessing the gambling behavior of UK residents in 2024. The study, based on responses from 19,714 individuals nationwide, provides a representative sample of gambling behavior across the country.
The survey uses the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to measure the behavioral symptoms of gambling disorders and the adverse consequences of gambling. This standardized tool helps researchers accurately assess the severity and scope of gambling behaviors.
Age Differences and Risk Distribution
The survey indicates that age is a significant factor in gambling outcomes. Among the 18 to 34 age group, about 5.3% of respondents suffered "severe consequences" in the past 12 months, manifesting as financial crises, relationship breakdowns, or mental health issues.
In contrast, only 0.8% of those aged 55 and over reported similar experiences, highlighting that younger individuals face risks six times greater than their older counterparts. This significant difference underscores the necessity for age-specific prevention and intervention measures.
Assessment of Problem Gambling Severity
According to PGSI scores, 8.8% of all respondents scored between 1 and 2, indicating a low risk level. About 3.1% of respondents scored between 3 and 7, suggesting a moderate risk.
Those scoring 8 or above, accounting for 2.7% of respondents, indicate the presence of gambling problems or risk of harm. The commission notes that this proportion is consistent with last year's survey results, showing a relatively stable rate of problem gambling.
Social Relationships and Mental Health Impact
The survey found that relationship breakdowns are the most common severe consequence of gambling, with 1.6% of respondents reporting this issue. This indicates that gambling behaviors significantly impact personal social relationships and family stability.
The survey also focused on the association between gambling and mental health, specifically asking about suicidal thoughts or attempts. Among those reporting such thoughts, 12.2% indicated a connection to their gambling behavior.
Gender Differences and Risk Patterns
Male gamblers are significantly more likely to suffer at least one severe consequence from their gambling habits than females. Specifically, the risk for males is 3.5%, while for females, it is 1.7%, approximately twice the difference.
This gender difference is also reflected in gambling participation rates: in the past four weeks, about 51% of males engaged in gambling, compared to 44% of females, consistent with the 2023 survey results.
Participation Rates and Form Preferences
In the past four weeks, 48% of adults aged 18 and over participated in some form of gambling activity. Excluding those who only purchased lottery tickets, this percentage drops to 28%, indicating that the lottery is the most common form of gambling in the UK.
The National Lottery is the most popular form of gambling, with a participation rate of 31%, followed by other charity lotteries (16%) and scratch cards (13%). These figures are consistent with last year's survey results.
Motivation for Participation and Experience Evaluation
85% of gamblers state that the chance to win a substantial jackpot is their primary reason for gambling. 72% of gamblers cite the fun of gambling as another core motive, showing that economic incentives and entertainment value drive participation behavior.
In evaluating gambling experiences, 42% of those who gambled in the past 12 months reported a positive experience, only 21% had a negative view of gambling, with the rest maintaining a neutral stance.
Seeking Help and Support Services
The survey shows that only 3.4% of gamblers sought help for gambling problems, indicating a still low rate of help-seeking. The most popular sources of help were gambling support services (1.2%), followed by mental health services and food banks or welfare organizations (1.7%).
Additionally, 3.3% of respondents indicated that a gambler they know sought some form of support, suggesting that the indirectly affected population might also require attention and resources.
Regulatory Significance and Policy Recommendations
Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission, states that these survey results are an essential part of the evidence base, helping the government, industry, and other partners understand gambling behaviors and their potential consequences.
The commission strongly advises operators to use this evidence to assess the risk profiles of their customer base. Data and research are crucial for identifying regulatory focuses and implementing player protection recommendations from the Gambling Act review white paper.
