A new survey has showed that 2.5% of the adult population in the United Kingdom may be experiencing with problem in gambling.
The Gambling Commission has found evidence that has sparked concern among campaigners. They believe authorities have massively underestimated the extent of gambling for years. This survey is poised to become one of the biggest of its kind worldwide. It also aims to set a fresh benchmark for understanding the gambling habits of Britain. The survey involved 9,804 participants.
The Gambling Behaviour in Great Britain report, estimated the problem gambling rate at just 0.7% back in thmost comprehensive study back in 2016. Yet, the Gambling Commission has cautioned that the latest figures should not be directly compared to the past surveys because of changes in methodology. This includes an increased sample size.
According to the recent findings of the regulator, nearly half of adult population aged 18 and over which were around 48%, engaged in some form of gambling in the last four weeks. When excluding those who only took part in lottery games, this number drops to 27%.
41% had a positive view of the adults who gambled in the previous year, of their most recent gambling experience. Meanwhile, 21% perceived it negatively. Lastly, 37% remained neutral on the matter. The survey also highlights that men are more prone to exhibit higher PGSI (Problem Gambling Severity Index) scores than women. The highest incidence of problem gambling occurs in the 18 to 34 age bracket.
The Gambling Commission says that those who bet on non-sports events in person were over nine times more likely to have a problem gambling score or PGSI of eight or higher. On the other hand, those playing onl;ine slots had a six times greater risk. The report also notes that 2.5% of all respondents reached this concerning PGSI score.
