UKGC records heavy increase in online gambling participation

In a report spanning a period from 2008 until 2014, the regulatory body noted that despite a relatively steady level of gambling participation across the board, certain sectors of the market demonstrated expansion.

Online gambling proved to be one of the key growth sectors, with participation in such activities up 50% from 9.7% in the year ended December 31, 2008 to 15.4% in the 12 months through to December 31, 2014.

Elsewhere, although the National Lottery remains the most popular form of gambling in the UK, the UKGC noted a decrease in participation rates across the period covered by the study.

General participation rate during the last six years fell from 44% to 37.4%.

However, despite a drop in the National Lottery, the UKGC did see an increase in activities surrounding other lotteries, with participation up form 11.1% in the year ended Jun 2009 to 12.9% in the 12 months to December 2014.

Other key findings from the report include a decline in activities such as slot and fruit machines, bingo and virtual gaming machines in betting shops.

The UKGC also noted that the frequency of gambling does not appear to be on the up, with the exception of high frequency gamblers who gamble more than they did three years ago.

The report was produced by independent research consultancy Databuild Research and Solutions.