2024 Gambling Survey for Great Britain published

The Gambling Commission has published the second annual report from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), the world’s largest dedicated study of gambling participation, behaviours, and consequences. Produced by the National Centre for Social Research and the University of Glasgow, the survey has undergone independent review and forms part of the Commission’s broader research programme into gambling trends across the UK.

This year’s report reveals that 48% of adults aged 18 and over in Great Britain have gambled in the past four weeks. When excluding those who only purchased lottery tickets, this figure drops to 28%. Among adults who gambled in the past year, 42% rated their most recent gambling experience positively, while 21% rated it negatively. The primary motivation for gambling was the chance to win significant sums of money (85%), followed by enjoyment (72%).

In 2024, 2.7% of adults scored 8 or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a figure that remains statistically stable compared to 2023. Confidence in the robustness of GSGB estimates has been further strengthened by recent methodological research led by Professor Patrick Sturgis.

With a sample size of 19,714 respondents, the Commission has also published two supplementary reports. The first examines risk profiles among individuals who gamble weekly, showing that risk levels vary not only between gambling products but also within product categories. These findings underscore the importance of operators understanding and managing risks within their customer bases.

The second report explores the broader negative consequences of gambling, reinforcing earlier qualitative research that found gambling can affect multiple aspects of a person’s life, including relationships and health.

These publications complement a range of research released by the Commission over the past year. This includes quarterly reports tracking gambling participation, in-depth studies by the University of Glasgow on motivations for gambling and PGSI scores, and new research into personal experiences of gambling-related harm. The Commission has also responded to the Office for Statistics Regulation’s review of the GSGB and published experimental findings on discrepancies between gambling survey estimates.

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, described the GSGB as a vital component of the evidence base that informs government, industry, and regulatory decisions. He emphasised that this year’s findings offer deeper insight into gambling consequences and risk profiles, particularly among frequent gamblers. Rhodes urged operators to use the data to assess risks within their customer groups.

He also outlined recent regulatory actions, including financial vulnerability checks for individuals spending £150 per month, bans on autoplay and fast-paced online games, and strengthened age verification protocols. Marketing offers requiring participation in multiple gambling activities have been prohibited, and restrictions have been placed on bonus fund wagering requirements.

From 31 October, new rules will require gambling businesses to prompt customers to set deposit limits before making their first deposit. In the land-based sector, the Commission is exploring time and monetary limit settings and safer gambling messaging on machines.

Additionally, the Commission has piloted enhanced financial risk assessments for individuals spending £1,000 within 24 hours or £2,000 within 90 days. Data from this pilot, which includes collaboration with credit reference agencies, is currently under review.

To support accurate use of the new statistics, the Commission has updated its guidance on interpreting and presenting GSGB data.