Gambling harms disproportionately affect men, younger adults and lower‑income households, new analysis shows

Adverse consequences from gambling are most common among men, younger adults, people from ethnic minority backgrounds and those in lower‑income households, according to new analysis from the Gambling Commission’s Understanding the adverse consequences of gambling: the role of gambling activity research.

The study draws on Year 2 data from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (2024), examining people who had gambled in the previous four weeks. It explores whether the higher levels of harm seen in certain demographic groups can be explained by the types of gambling activities they engage in.

The Commission found that participation in casino games, fruit and slot machines, and online instant‑win products played a significant role in shaping risk profiles. These activities were more commonly played by groups already known to face higher levels of harm.

For men, differences in gambling activity fully accounted for their increased likelihood of experiencing adverse consequences. However, for younger adults, ethnic minority groups and those living in lower‑income households, gambling activity only partly explained their heightened vulnerability. The Commission suggests that broader social, financial and environmental factors may also be contributing to the harms experienced.