A new report released by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has demonstrated that problem gambling rates have fallen from 0.6% to 0.3% over 2020.
Furthermore, the study also showed that the rate of those gamblers classed as being at ‘moderate risk’ of harm fell from 1.2% to 0.9% between 2019 and 2020. However, the regulator – which launched a new consumer guidance campaign earlier in February – pointed out that figures are ‘not a statistically significant decrease at the 95% level’ of confidence.
In response to the data, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has promised to ‘keep up the momentum’ in its quest to raise standards across the industry.
The BGC also said the fall exemplifies that the trade body’s ‘work over the past 12 months on promoting safer gambling is having an impact’, emphasising that it will also continue to ‘work tirelessly to drive up standards in the regulated betting and gaming industry’.
“Since being established in 2019, we have worked tirelessly to drive up standards in the regulated betting and gaming industry and promote safer gambling,” Wes Himes, the BGC’s Executive Director for Standards and Innovation, noted.
“Our initiatives have included encouraging deposit limits, investing more in research, education and treatment, and introducing tough new rules on VIP schemes and game design.
“One problem gambler is one too many, however, and we are determined to keep up the momentum in the months ahead.“For example, we’re looking at how we extend filtering for online ads, and are working with online platforms on opt outs for betting advertising. We look forward to engaging with the government’s gambling review to ensure a safer gambling environment for our millions of customers.”
