The Gambling Commission has released the latest Gambling Survey for Great Britain, recording a slight decline in adult participation between 2024 and 2025. Overall engagement fell to 59% this year, compared to 60% previously.
Four-week activity decreased from 48% to 47%, while online gambling remained unchanged at 38%. Excluding National Lottery players, annual participation dropped to 40% and four-week engagement fell to 27%. The National Lottery remains the leading format with 31% of adults purchasing tickets.
Charity lotteries hold a 16% share, and scratchcard usage declined slightly to 12%.
Risk Levels and Regulatory Updates
Problem gambling prevalence decreased modestly, with adults scoring eight or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index falling from 2.7% to 2.4%. Moderate-risk engagement rose to 3.5%, while low-risk participation dropped to 7.8%. The Commission noted that overall consumer engagement remains stable and highlighted increased activity among men aged 55 and older. Reports of harm caused by another person’s gambling also declined, with 43.2% of respondents affected, down from 48%.The data coincides with a UK government consultation on banning unlicensed gambling sponsorship in sports. Proposed secondary legislation would allow the Secretary of State to regulate gambling advertising pending Parliamentary approval. Under the draft rules, partnerships with unlicensed operators could become a criminal offence carrying daily financial penalties.
The findings were compiled by the Gambling Commission.