The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has released its latest research, revealing a decline in gambling participation in the country.
The report was published on May 23 and found that 46% of British adults have gambled in the past four weeks, including on the lottery. This is the lowest rate recorded since the survey began in 2023.
Wave 4 surveyed 5,191 participants between September 2024 and January 2025. Key findings include:
- Overall participation in gaming activities: 46% (down from 49% in Wave 3)
- Lottery participation: 34% (37% decrease)
- Participation in gambling (excluding lottery): 28% (stable)
- Participation in online gambling (excluding lottery): 17% (up 16%)
- In-person participation in gambling (excluding lottery): 18% (stable)
- Highest participation rate by age group: Men aged 18-24 (47%, stable)
- Men bet more online, but the rate of in-person betting is similar to that of women.
Drop in lottery entries
The survey indicated that overall participation in lotteries fell. On the other hand, participation in online gambling grew. This data accompanies the earnings report for the first quarter of 2025. The document showed a 7% growth in online gambling compared to the previous year.
The study also highlighted differences in gambling behavior between genders and age groups. Men consistently gamble more than women across all types of gambling. The difference is most pronounced in online gambling (23% men versus 11% women).
In terms of age, participation in most formats increases in middle age. The age group 35 to 54 years old peaks. Online games are again the exception.
In this segment, men aged 18 to 24 lead with a 33% share. The rate drops to 32% among men aged 25 to 34. After that, it gradually decreases. Female participation in online gaming follows the general trend, peaking in the 35 to 54 age group.
The biggest gender gap was observed in sports betting. In this category, 17% of men participate (14% online). Among women, only 4% bet (almost entirely online).
Unlike online gambling, in-person gambling presents little difference between men and women. It is worth noting that 26% of women between 35 and 44 years old played (excluding lottery). This group had the highest participation.
UK gaming declines but online participation grows
The latest report highlighted an important piece of information. Overall participation in gambling was at its lowest since 2023. That’s when the Gambling Commission first began such research in the UK.
From July 2023 to July 2024, participation remained stable at 48%. It subsequently increased slightly to 49% in the July-October 2024 survey (Stage 3). In Stage 4, it fell to 46%.
Excluding the lottery, gambling participation has remained relatively stable. In 2023, it was 27%. In 2024, it rose to 28%. The modest increase is almost entirely due to online gambling.
Online gaming participation was expected to be 15% in 2023. That number rose to 16% in 2024. The most recent data shows 17%. In contrast, in-person gaming fell from 19% in 2023 to 18% today.
UKGC research investigates motivations for gambling
The survey also looked at the reasons why people gamble. The top motivations included the chance to win big money (85% of respondents). Fun was cited by 73% of participants.
Compared to the previous stage, the motivation to win big remained stable. However, the number of people who play for fun increased by 3%.
A notable difference emerged in the 18-24 age group. In this group, 87% say they gamble for fun. Only 71% say it’s for the chance to win big money.
The younger demographic stands out for one specific characteristic. Making money doesn’t seem to be the main driver of gambling. Instead, it’s more of a social activity. This age group led in the following motivations:
- Because it’s exciting: 75%
- Because it’s something I do with friends or family: 58%
- Because of the sense of accomplishment when I win: 57%
- Being sociable: 55%
