UK online gambling market sees slight decrease in August

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) on Wednesday published further data showing how the Covid-19 period has impacted gambling behavior in Great Britain, reflecting the period between March and August.

The latest data covers both online and in-person gambling, from Licensed Betting Operators (LBOs) found on Britain’s high streets and also includes consumer research. 

The latest data for August shows that the online market contracted slightly, with the number of bets down 2%, of which real event betting decreased 12%, and the number of active customers decreased 7%. Gross gambling yield (GGY) was down 12%. The UKGC said these figures may be attributable to the break in English Premier League football, the holiday season and the loosening of restrictions allowing for more discretionary spending options.

In addition, the number of online slots sessions lasting longer than an hour decreased by 7% with the average session length remaining steady at 21 minutes. The number of customer interactions undertaken has risen 11%; 4% of those interactions reported were direct contact from staff (down from 5% in July). High street betting – GGY has remained steady, while total bets and spins decreased both by 2% since July.

Facing the constant evolution in gambling behaviors amid the pandemic, the UKGC provided guidance to online operators in May, setting out the need for improved affordability checks, the prevention of reverse withdrawals and restrictions on bonus offers. This was reinforced for land-based premises in June when they were allowed to reopen.