UKGC contends no evidence of increased gambling activity during COVID
The UK Gambling Commission state that there is ‘no evidence of a sustained increase in gambling activity’ during the pandemic
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) have published data on the effects of the pandemic lockdowns on gambling activity, finding that there is ‘no evidence of a sustained increase in gambling activity’.
The data set sampled over 3,000 adults, where six in 10 said their gambling spend wasn’t influenced by the COVID-19 lockdowns. In fact, 27% stated that their betting activity actually decreased as a result of the lockdowns, while 13% reported an increase in gambling activity.
Furthermore, online gambling activity rose by 3% month-to-month in active accounts, and 4% in bets. This increase is partly due to the closure of gambling and betting venues leading players to seek alternatives online. However, Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) decreased by 13%, potentially due to the real event betting margins mellowed down in the midst of the pandemic.
The UKGC’s Chief Executive Neil McArthur had affirmed that the authority holds a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards regulation violations in the midst of the UK lockdowns.
He stressed the importance of compliance checks and the high standard which operators should maintain in order to support their customers , stating in a press release:
The gambling industry and daily life as a whole continues to be impacted by the pandemic and whilst there is some light and hope ahead with the vaccine, I want to ensure operators are clear of our expectations,
Back in October 2020, research conducted by the GambleAware using data on the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) found that only 3% of problem gamblers in the UK receive adequate treatment
In recent news, PM Boris Johnson announced on 4 January that England will enter its third and toughest lockdown since March 2020, forcing the land-based industry to close again.
Source: SBC News
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