Overall decline in gambling during lockdown

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, many were worried there would be an increase in gambling and in turn, a rise in gambling related harm. With so many workers furloughed and the whole country being unable to socialise, enjoy activities, visit friends and family, there was concern that more people would turn to online gambling and therefore there would be an increase in the number of people not gambling responsibly.

Decrease in overall gambling

Despite these initial concerns, the UK Gambling Commission released further information from surveys conducted, which found that overall gambling had decreased during the lockdown period.

The information pertained to player habits between April and May 2020 and was gathered using data provided by the Covid-19 tracker of YouGov and the UK’s biggest gambling operators and also adds to the data collated and published by the UKGC at the start of May and June.

Time and spending up by 17%

The UKGC revealed that despite initial concerns, overall gambling had decreased. However, the amount spent and time playing, had increased, with the average amount spent rising over 17% in May compared to that in April.

It was also found that during May, the number of people registering to bet on Sports and re-event betting increased, thought to be due to the fact first tier football resumed in Germany.

Continued monitoring

The UKGC will continue to track and monitor player trends and behaviour and assess the impact of the additional guidance given to gambling operators during the lockdown period. As always, it aims to reduce the risk of gambling related harm and ensure players gamble responsibly.

As land-based betting shops begin to re-open across the country, with casinos reopening in due course when the government allow, the UKGC  will continue to ensure players are protected  as fully as possible.