UKGC Annual Report 2025: Most people who gamble in the UK feel okay about it

2025-uk-gambling-survey

The UK Gambling Commission has published the third annual report of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB).

This survey is produced by the National Centre for Social Research and the University of Glasgow.

GSGB is one of the world’s largest dedicated gambling surveys, with around 20,000 adults aged 18 and over each year. 

What were the key findings?

The latest results show that gambling habits haven’t really changed much. In 2025, about 47% of adults said they’d gambled in the last four weeks. If you don’t count people who only bought lottery tickets, that drops to 27%.

People gamble for a few main reasons. The biggest one is simply the hope of winning a lot of money (84%). A lot of people also say they do it because it’s fun (69%), to make some money (57%), or because they enjoy the excitement (53%).

The number of people experiencing serious gambling problems hasn’t really changed over the past three years either. Around 2.4% of the population fall into the highest-risk category for gambling-related harm.

Overall, most people who gamble feel okay about it. Around 78% said they have either positive or neutral feelings towards their gambling, meaning they generally see it as something they enjoy or don’t think of as a problem.

Why is this survey done every year?

The survey helps the Gambling Commission see how people’s gambling habits change over time. By comparing results each year, they can spot trends, understand what’s changing, and get a clearer picture of how people are gambling and what their experiences are.

This information also helps the Commission and other organisations make better decisions and respond to new issues as they arise.

Post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *