What the UK's Latest Gambling Survey Reveals About 2025 Trends

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-18

The UK Gambling Commission just dropped its third annual Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), and the results are definitely worth a closer look. This deep dive into gambling participation, attitudes, experiences, and consequences across the country during 2025 paints a picture of stability rather than dramatic change. Overall, gambling activity held steady compared to previous years, and there's even a small but meaningful drop in the number of people classified as problem gamblers. That's a shift that deserves some unpacking. Produced by the National Centre for Social Research and the University of Glasgow on behalf of the regulator, the survey gathered responses from thousands of adults across England, Scotland, and Wales. It's the kind of comprehensive data that helps policymakers, operators, and advocates understand what's actually happening on the ground. And for anyone in the industry—especially those of you working in the U.S. market—these insights can offer a useful benchmark for where things might be headed. ### What the Numbers Actually Say Let's get into the nitty-gritty. The survey found that the percentage of respondents who gambled in the past four weeks stayed roughly the same as in 2024. That's notable because it suggests the market has found a new normal after the post-pandemic surge. The slight decline in problem gambling rates—down by about 0.2 percentage points—might seem small, but in public health terms, it represents thousands of people who are either gambling more responsibly or not at all. - Overall participation: roughly 44% of adults gambled in the past month - Problem gambling rate: around 2.5%, down from 2.7% last year - Most popular activities: National Lottery draws, scratchcards, and online slots - Age group with highest participation: 45-64 year olds The data also highlights that online gambling continues to dominate, with mobile apps and websites accounting for over 60% of all gambling activity. Land-based venues like casinos and betting shops are holding steady, but they're not seeing the same growth as digital platforms. ### Why This Matters for U.S. Professionals You might be wondering why a UK survey is relevant to your work in the United States. Well, the UK has been a kind of testing ground for online gambling regulation. They've had a mature, regulated market for years, and their data often foreshadows trends that eventually cross the Atlantic. For example, the UK's focus on player protection measures—like deposit limits and time-outs—is already influencing how U.S. states design their own frameworks. > "The stability we're seeing in the UK suggests that a well-regulated market can balance growth with harm reduction. That's a model worth studying." — Dr. Annelies De Vos ### What's Driving the Decline in Problem Gambling? It's not just one thing. Experts point to a combination of factors: better education campaigns, more robust self-exclusion tools, and stricter advertising rules. The UK Gambling Commission has also pushed operators to adopt safer gambling features, like mandatory spending checks for high-risk players. These measures seem to be making a real difference, even if progress is gradual. Another factor is the shift in how people gamble. Younger generations are more likely to engage with skill-based games or social betting, which carry lower risks than traditional slot machines or high-stakes sports betting. The survey notes that those under 35 are actually less likely to develop gambling problems compared to older cohorts. ### What This Means for the Industry For casino operators and affiliates, the key takeaway is that stability doesn't mean stagnation. The market is evolving, and the players who adapt to responsible gambling expectations will be the ones who thrive. In the U.S., we're seeing similar conversations around player safety, especially in states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania where online gambling is already mature. The survey also underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making. Whether you're running a casino in Las Vegas or managing an affiliate site, understanding these trends can help you tailor your offerings and marketing strategies. For example, if you know that scratchcards and lottery products are the most popular, you might want to feature those more prominently on your site. ### Looking Ahead While the UK survey offers a snapshot of 2025, it also raises questions about the future. Will the decline in problem gambling continue? How will new technologies like VR casinos or cryptocurrency payments change the landscape? And what can U.S. regulators learn from the UK's approach? One thing is clear: the conversation around gambling is shifting from pure growth to sustainable, responsible expansion. That's good news for players, operators, and regulators alike. As we move forward, staying informed about these global trends will be key to making smart decisions in our own markets.