Figures from the latest National Health Service (NHS) survey for the UK show that around 13 percent of the country’s population engaged in online betting with a bookmaker in 2018, with the percentage of people who had gambled overall dropping to 51 percent.
The survey also measured problem gambling rates using two different measures—DSM-IV and PGSI—both of which recorded rates below the generally accepted rate of 0.7 percent.
Under DSM-IV, the problem gambling rate for 2018 was recorded as 0.5 percent of the population, with men more likely to have problems than women. Using the PGSI standard, the problem gambling rate is 0.4 percent, again with men higher. The PGSI also suggested 0.8 percent of the population could be classified as ‘moderate risk’ gamblers.
The NHS has incorporated questions about gambling into its health surveys ever since the funding was pulled for the National Gambling Prevalence Studies, last taken in 2010. The Gambling Commission has been reliant on the health survey to monitor the effect of gambling in society.
The CEO of NHS England, Simon Stevens, used the results to call for more funding from the gambling industry. “These new stats are a stark reminder of how common gambling is in our society and how easy it is to become addicted, particularly with the aggressive push into online gambling,” Stevens told SBC News. “But it is high time that all these firms who spend many millions on marketing and advertising step up to the plate and take their responsibilities seriously.”
Also revealed in the survey: smartphone betting apps may be a contributing factor in younger people developing addictive habits. One expert said mobile betting opportunities are too easily available.
Stevens said too many people were falling victim to “aggressive” tactics by online gambling firms. Experts said the Health Survey of England, which polled 10,000 adults and children on their lifestyles, shows smartphone betting holds an increasing grip on younger generations.
In total, 29 percent of men aged 25 to 34 reported having participated in online gambling in the previous 12 months, compared with four percent of those aged 65 and over. Across all ages, 15 percent of men had participated in online gambling in the previous 12 months, compared with four percent of women. Men aged 16 to 24 were the most likely to be labeled problem gamblers, with rates of 1.9 percent, compared with 0.4 percent of the general population.
The survey found that in total, 53 percent of adults had participated in some form of gambling activity during the previous 12 months. When the National Lottery is excluded, the figures drop to 39 percent of adults, including 56 percent of men aged between 25 and 34.
“These new statistics are a stark reminder of how common gambling is in our society, and how easy it is to become addicted, particularly with the aggressive push into online gambling,” Stevens told the Daily Telegraph. He also urged gambling companies to ante up more to treat problem gamblers.
“It is high time that all these firms who spend many millions on marketing and advertising step up to the plate and take their responsibilities seriously,” said Stevens, who has previously called for such firms to contribute towards treatment services for addiction.
Matt Zarb-Cousin, from the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, said mobile gambling was fueling addiction in younger people.
“Many people enjoy an occasional flutter on the Grand National or the Lottery but no gambling is entirely risk-free. The real risk is with the accessibility of online and mobile gambling, which is very addictive and provides unlimited stakes and prizes.”
He called for action to limit the prizes available, and reduce exposure to advertisements for online gambling.
