Gambling comes in many different forms, from betting on horse racing to entering the National Lottery. While gambling can be fun, there are some obvious (and less obvious) downsides. You could run up debt or damage your chances of borrowing money. Gambling carefully and responsibly is essential.
We look at the latest gambling statistics to see how Brits are spending their money and if we’re gambling responsibly.
UK gambling statistics: Highlights
Almost half of Brits (48%) surveyed had participated in gambling in the past month.
The gambling market is worth £15.1 billion in Great Britain.
Around a quarter (26%) of young people (aged 11-17) spend their own money on gambling activity.
The average British gambler spends £11 a week or £49 a month on their activities.
The most common gambling activity is the National Lottery, with 3 in Brits (31%) taking part.
Around 1 in 40 Brits (2.5%) could be classed as problem gamblers.
Three-quarters of problem gamblers (76%) reported having to use savings or borrow money as a result of their gambling.
How many people gamble in the UK?
According to figures from 2024, nearly half of Brits (48%) surveyed had participated in gambling in the past month, which equates to around 25.75 million people. A fifth of Brits (21%) only take part in gambling via lottery draws, while more than a quarter (27%) take part in other forms of gambling alongside or instead of the lottery.
Gambling is also common among young people (those aged 11-17) in the UK. Figures show that more than a quarter of young people have recently spent money on gambling, with activities including arcade machines and playing cards with friends and family.
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The National Lottery draws are the most popular type of gambling, with around a third of Brits (31%) buying a ticket. Other charity lottery draws come in a close second, with 16% of Brits participating.
Although not quite as popular as the National Lottery, other common forms of gambling include scratchcards (13%), betting on sports and events (9%), online instant win games (6%) and fruit and slots games (5%).
Online gambling is more common than in-person gambling, with 37% of Brits participating online, while around 3 in 10 Brits (29%) still gamble in more traditional ways. Much of the online gambling is related to purchasing lottery tickets, however, with just 15% of Brits taking part in other forms of gambling online.
How much is the gambling industry worth in the UK?
The gambling industry made a total yield of £15.1 billion from customers in Great Britain between April 2022 and March 2023. £4.2 billion was from lotteries, while the remaining £10.9 billion was from other forms
The gross gambling yield includes all money retained by gambling operators after they have paid out winnings.
How much does the average person spend on gambling?
The average Brit who participates in gambling, including lottery tickets, will spend £11 a week or £49 a month on gambling activities. This is based on the gross gambling yield in Great Britain and the most recent reports that 48% of UK adults take part in gambling.
Why do people gamble in the UK?
The most common reason for gambling in the UK is for the chance of winning big money, with 86% of those who gambled agreeing with this statement. Other popular reasons included because it’s fun (70%), to make money (58%) and because it’s exciting. More than two-fifths of Brits (44%) feel it brings them a sense of achievement, while around a third (34%) enjoyed doing it with friends and family.
There are a wide range of reasons why someone might gamble – for most people, it’s simply a bit of fun and a chance to win money (but they won’t be too upset if they don’t end up winning). However, some people are at a greater risk of falling into problem gambling habits and we explore these stats next.
Because it's something that I do with my friends or family
34%
As a hobby or pastime
27%
To be sociable
24%
To escape boredom or to fill my time
23%
To relax
22%
Because I'm worried about not winning if I don't play
20%
For the mental challenge or to learn about the game or activity
19%
Because it helps when I'm feeling tense
11%
To compete with others (e.g. bookmaker, other gamblers)
9%
To impress other people
8%
Problem gambling in the UK
Recent statistics suggest that 2.5% of Brits have a gambling problem, which is around 1 in 40 people. A further 3.7% of Brits are moderate-risk gamblers, who do not currently have a problem but could experience adverse consequences or may do so if they become heavily involved. Three-quarters of problem gamblers (76%) reported having to use savings or borrow money as a result of their gambling.
The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a scale used to measure whether someone is showing signs of problem gambling, or their gambling habits could pose a risk. A score of 8 or more represents problem gambling, while a score of 3-7 represents moderate-risk gambling.
Sources
Click here for more research. For all media enquiries, please contact –
Matt Mckenna
UK Head of Communications T: +44 20 8191 8806
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Emily Herring is a Publisher at Finder specialising in credit-based products including credit cards and business and personal loans. Emily has recently joined the Investments team. She has a Masters in Creative Writing & Publishing and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Media.
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Sophie Barber is a senior content marketing manager for Finder in the UK. She has over 5 years experience in writing and publishing clear, concise and informative articles that help consumers make informed decisions.
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