UK Gambling Survey Finds 1.4 Million Adults With Problem Gambling

Recent research by the UK Gambling Commission reveals that nearly 3% of adults in Great Britain, approximately 1.4 million people, suffer from gambling problems, as indicated by scoring 8 or above on the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The survey of over 19,700 adults found that 48% had gambled in the past month, though this rate drops to 28% when excluding lottery play, which remains the most common form of gambling. Gambling participation and related harms are notably higher in deprived areas, where 27% gamble weekly compared to 14% in less deprived regions, with frequent gamblers more likely to experience social and economic disadvantages. The Commission has implemented measures such as reducing maximum bets on fixed-odds betting terminals and tightening online gaming rules to mitigate harm. While most gamblers report positive experiences, a significant minority face negative consequences, including relationship breakdowns linked to gambling. These findings are influencing ongoing policy discussions about balancing regulation with the economic impact of the gambling industry in the UK.