The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) releases stats for problem gambling, warning the government to take further action against addiction as 400,000 Brits are chronic gamblers. The regulators have also warned that a 4 per cent of the population is ‘at risk’ of addiction.
The report also includes:
– 63% of adults had participated in some sort of gambling within the past year.
– Women are less likely to gamble than men.
– National Lottery is the most popular form of gambling, followed by scratch cards and smaller lotteries.
Tim Miller, executive director of the UKGC said:
“Whilst overall problem gambling rates in Britain have remained statistically stable, our research suggests that in excess of two million people are at-risk or classed as problem gamblers, with very many more impacted by the wider consequences of gambling-related harm” “We have a clear commitment to make gambling fairer and safer and these figures show that this is a significant challenge.”
“Success will depend upon us, the industry, government and others, all working together with a shared purpose to protect consumers.” “The pace of change to date simply hasn’t been fast enough – more needs to be done to address problem gambling.”
Chairman of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, Sir Chris Kelly said:
“These new findings show that gambling continues to cause harm to a significant number of people in Great Britain; they underline the importance of the National Responsible Gambling Strategy being pursued with vigour by everyone with a role to play in its delivery.”
“The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board’s published assessment of progress with the first year of the Strategy identified a number of priority actions where more can and should be done. Gambling operators have a responsibility for leading a large part of this agenda and need to demonstrate they are making a positive impact through their work to protect customers and promote safe play.”
