Almost every time you turn on the TV or radio, you can be sure you will see or hear a commercial promoting gambling. Given how the gambling market has established itself as a natural part of British society, it might be interesting to examine how British gamblers relate to the industry that – seemingly – seems so insatiable.
Gambling can take many forms but basically refers to any game where money is at stake. Thus, it can be anything from modern casino games, such as slot machines and live casino games offered on websites like https://www.casinohawks.com/, to more conventional forms of gambling, such as betting on horse racing.
20% of all Brits gamble once a week
Liverpool is home to some incredible arcades, and there are brick-and-mortar casinos shattered all around the city to enjoy.Â
But London is still the mecca for gambling in the UK. Thanks to the vibrant nightlife, there are several casinos to visit around the clock, where table games are particularly popular.
Not only Liverpool and London are cities where gamblers go. Around the country, there are both casinos and bookmakers to visit.
So the fact that 20% of Brits gamble at least once a week is not very surprising. But it is not only the brick-and-mortar casinos that contribute to the vast number of Brits that gamble. The latest UK statistics show that almost half of all gamblers resort to gambling online.
Brits spend an average of £2.60 per week on gambling
Further recent statistics show that Brits spend an estimated £2.60 weekly on gambling, with men on average spending more than women. Within these statistics, it is people between 25 and 34 that gamble the most.
Those in the highest income percentile spend the most on gambling, more specifically £4.20 per week, while those in the lowest percentile spend the least, £1.50 per week.
0.5% of the UK’s adult population are problem gamblers
Although gambling can be an enjoyable source of entertainment for many Brits, there is also a risk of developing a gambling addiction.
According to statistics, there were approximately 1.4 million gambling addicts in the UK in 2020, and today it is estimated that 0.5% of UK adults are problem gamblers.
1.9% of 11- to 16-year-olds from Scotland and England have problems with gambling.
More facts suggest that 3.1% of British problem gamblers gamble for more money than they can afford to lose, whereas another 7% of British gamblers claim they gamble to make a living.
Although the majority of Brits gamble responsibly and without problems, the number of people with gambling problems or addiction is still alarming. Not the least when it affects young people. It is often those with poor finances who gamble often – and they also have the most to lose.
If you suffer from a gambling addiction or feel that your gambling habits are unhealthy, support and treatment are available. You can call the National Gambling Helpline and join various support groups if you are having any sort of gambling issue.Â
