According to the Gambling Commission, one in every four UK residents now gambles online. 25.7% of 4,018 individuals aged 16 or over surveyed had wagered online in the past four weeks, up from 23.8% last year and 18.5% five years ago. The survey found that somewhere between June 2021 and March 2022, 43% of respondents had wagered in the previous four weeks, down from 47% in March 2020. Under the Gambling Act 2005, the Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the UK on behalf of DCMS. This Act of Parliament updated the UK’s gambling laws, including new protections for children and vulnerable adults and bringing Internet gaming under British regulation for the first time.
Online casinos are convenient because players can play anytime. You can play from the comfort of your own home with 24/7 secure access. You can play online casinos at any time of day or night, and there are always games available and great payout chances. Most British online casinos don’t require software. Simply use a web browser to access top games and player bonuses.
The UK Addiction Network (UKAN) analyzed the Gambling Commission’s data and found that 16-24-year-olds gambled the most. In the year to March 2022, 34.7% of 16 to 24-year-olds surveyed had gambled in the past four weeks, up from 29.7% last year. 55 to 64-year-olds’ gambling rates rose from 48.7% in March 2020 to 49.8% in March 2022. They also have the most online gambling. Outside of the National Lottery and other lotteries, online sports betting was most popular.
The rate of those at moderate risk of addiction has also risen, with women at moderate risk rising from 0.4% in March 2021 to 0.9% this year. In-person gambling rates have increased by 3% since the pandemic, according to the Gambling Commission. Post-pandemic, sports betting, horse betting, bingo, and fruit and slot machines returned, according to the commission.
Nuno Albuquerque, consultant treatment lead at UKAN, said: “As gambling participation rates rise, so does the risk of gambling addiction.” Gambling isn’t a harmless pastime for many. Gambling harms people’s lives. Online gambling is dangerous because it’s easy and discreet. We agree that the country’s gambling laws need reforming. Affordability checks and a ban on gambling ads need more discussion.
The advertising regulator is investigating whether online casinos exploit gamblers’ superstitions by claiming certain games are “hot or cold.”
The UK Gambling Commission formally announced new rules on April 14, 2022, to ensure internet gambling companies do more to recognise and safeguard consumers at risk. The new rules take effect on September 12, 2022.
Operators must:
Oversee a range of criteria to detect gambling harm; flag harm indicators and act quickly; Automate indicators that identify problem gambling; Prevent marketing and the take-up of new bonuses for at-risk customers; evaluate their interactions and make sure they interact with consumers at least at the level of gambling addiction for the relevant activity; evidence their customer interaction evaluation to the Gambling Commission during routine casework; and comply with these specifications at all times, including ensuring third-party compliance.
Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford. For gambling addiction help and support please contact Be Gamble Aware at +44 (0)808 8020 133 or visit www.begambleaware.org.