GSGB 2025: Problem Gambling Rate Edges Down to 2.4% as Participation Stands at 47%

The UK Gambling Commission has published its third annual Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), offering the latest official view of adult gambling participation, behaviours, and harm across the country.

Participation data show that 47% of adults had gambled in the four weeks prior to the survey. When lottery-only players are excluded, the share falls to 27%. The most frequently cited motivation was the chance to win a large sum, reported by 84% of respondents, followed by fun (69%), making money (57%), and excitement (53%).

Problem gambling rate holds steady

The survey recorded a problem gambling rate of 2.4% based on a PGSI score of eight or higher – representing an estimated 1.3 million adults. This is a slight drop from 2.7% in 2024 and in line with the 2.5% seen in the first GSGB edition. The Commission described levels as stable across the three years. Among past-year gamblers, 2.7% said they had experienced at least one severe consequence, such as reducing spending on essentials or relationship breakdown.

Support-seeking patterns

Of those who had gambled in the previous 12 months, 3.4% had sought help for their gambling. The proportion accessing each type of service ranged narrowly, from 1.4% for specialist gambling services up to 1.7% for mental health support.

Commission underscores value of three-year dataset

The Commission’s Executive Director for Research and Policy, Tim Miller, said: “The publication of the third annual Gambling Survey for Great Britain marks an important milestone.” He noted that having three years of data offers a richer, more timely picture of trends than previously possible, and that this evidence underpins policy, regulation, and public debate. The Commission also released two supplementary reports: one examines whether reporting adverse consequences could serve as a headline harm measure, and another finds that harm may occur even at lower levels of gambling risk.