UK Gambling Landscape
This page summarises key gambling statistics in the UK using data and reports from the UK Gambling Commission.
Industry Statistics
The UK gambling market remains one of the largest globally, with over 8,200 gambling premises (incl. 5,800 betting shops) across the country.
UK Gambling Commission, Industry Statistics - Annual report - Financial year April 2024 to March 2025. Also, 2025 Report on Illegal online gambling: Consumer engagement and trends
£17 billion Market Size & GGY
Total Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) was £16.8 billion, a 7.3% increase from the previous year.
1 in 2 Participation Rates
48% of the adult population participating in at least one form of gambling activity in the past four weeks.
Online > Land-Based
Excluding lotteries, 62% of the gambling market is online. Moreover, it grows at a faster rate than brick-and-mortar (13.1% vs. 3.6% year-on-year).
10 illegal visits per gambler every year
~26.5 million visits per month on illegal gambling websites. With an estimated 32.5 million gamblers annually that leads to an average of approx. 10 visits per year.
Demographical Statistics
Understanding who gambles is essential for identifying the most vulnerable segments of the population. This section highlights patterns across age, behaviour, and socio-economic factors.
UK Gambling Commission, Statistics on gambling participation – Annual report Year 2 (2024), Understanding the adverse consequences of gambling: the role of gambling activity 2026, and Young People and Gambling 2025: Official statistics.
Age Groups
- 30% of 11 to 17 year olds spend their own money on gambling
- 3.4% of children display severe or at risk gambling behaviour
- 28% of adults participate in a gambling form other than lottery
Socio-Economic Factors
- Men are 1.5 times
- Younger adults, 1.3 times
- Ethnic minorities, 2.8 times
- Lowest income, 2 times
- ...more likely to experience adverse consequences from gambling than their counterparts.
Behaviours
- Only 21% of adults have negative feelings towards their gambling
- 72% gamble because they consider it fun
- 14.6% of adults experience some form of problem gambling, with 2.7% being considered highly addicted.