The UKGC has urged caution when considering the new UK problem gambling rate reported in its latest survey. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

New survey, new rate

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has just published a new survey to assess the gambling landscape of the region. That document, the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), includes details on the problem gambling rate in the UK, which it claims stands at 2.5%.

could indicate that UK gambling is flying wildly out of control

Now, if you were to compare this to the last official statistics reported as the UK gambling rate – 0.3% – then you might be a little concerned. It marks a near 800% rise and could indicate that UK gambling is flying wildly out of control. In fact, that’s how some media firms have reported on the issue.

However, the UKGC is urging caution when taking these figures into account. The gambling regulator has warned that a new method of estimating the rate has likely thrown it wildly out of proportion in comparison to previous years.

An issue with methodology

Google UK problem gambling rate currently and the first article is from The Guardian, which leads with the heading “Harm from problem gambling in Great Britain ‘may be eight times higher than thought.’” This is exactly the type of reporting that the UKGC had hoped to avoid upon publication of the GSGB.

substantially overstates the true level of gambling and gambling harm in the population.”

The regulator said that an independent review of the survey by Professor Patrick Sturgis of the London School of Economics found that the new methodology for estimating the problem gambling rate had issues. He claimed it “substantially overstates the true level of gambling and gambling harm in the population.”

The Betting and Gaming Council, the organization representing UK gambling companies, is also concerned the figures might be misused. A spokesperson said that “the findings may be unreliable” because they use “predominantly online self-completion.” Typically, the body said these surveys “produce higher estimates of gambling participation and associated harms.”

Regardless of the warnings of the UKGC over the methodology, anti-gambling groups are already using the new figures towards their aim. Campaigners are calling on the government to take action, claiming current reforms are based on incorrect information and must be further tightened to curtail the industry.

The survey’s responses

The GSGB questioned almost 10,000 people online. In total, 48% of adults aged 18 and older had participated in gambling in the past four weeks, although this reduced to 27% when the lottery was removed.

Around 41% of adults who gambled in the past 12 months rated their experience positively, while 21% saw it negatively.

Problem gambling rates were higher among men and young people. More than one in 20 of those aged 18-34 who had gambled in the last 12 months reported a severe impact on their life. Of the men, 1.9% lost something of significant value, 1.9% had a relationship breakdown, and 1.6% experienced violence or abuse.