Watchdog urges caution as millions of Brits gambling regularly

Gambling firms under fire as half of adults take part each month

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Almost half of adults (48%) in Great Britain have gambled in the last four weeks, according to an annual survey by the industry regulator.

Some 2.7% of adults scored “8+” on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) in 2024-up from 2.5% the previous year - which is “statistically stable” compared to the year before, the Gambling Commission found.

The headline figure of those who gambled over the last month - which is the same as the previous year - falls to 28% when those who had only bought tickets for a lottery draw were excluded.

Overall, some 42% of adults who gambled in the past 12 months rated the last time they gambled positively, compared to 21% who rated it negatively.

The chance of winning “big money” was the main reason why people gambled (85%), followed by finding gambling to be fun (72%).