Third Annual Gambling Survey Delivers Fresh Data on Participation and Behaviours Across Great Britain

The UK Gambling Commission has released its third annual report from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, and this update pulls together the latest official statistics covering gambling participation, behaviours, attitudes plus consequences for the period spanning 2023 to 2025. Observers note that the survey delivers a nationally representative picture drawn from around 20,000 respondents each year, which gives researchers a consistent benchmark for tracking trends over time.

Survey Scope and Methodology

Data collection runs on an annual cycle with the same core questions repeated across waves so comparisons remain reliable, and the approach captures both remote and non-remote activity while distinguishing lottery-only players from broader gamblers. Those who've studied this know the design allows analysts to isolate headline figures from narrower subsets, which proves useful when policymakers examine specific segments of the market.

Participation Rates Hold Steady

Figures reveal that 47% of adults in Great Britain took part in some form of gambling during the past four weeks, a level that has remained stable compared with earlier waves. When lottery-only players are set aside the rate drops to 27%, which shows how much of the overall participation ties directly to that single product category. Researchers discovered that these proportions have not shifted markedly year on year, suggesting underlying habits have settled into a consistent pattern rather than displaying sharp growth or decline.

Problem Gambling Indicators Remain Unchanged

Problem gambling rates measured by a PGSI score of 8 or higher sit at 2.4%, matching the previous report and indicating no measurable change in that particular metric. The survey tracks this threshold because it identifies those experiencing the most severe difficulties, and the steady reading gives regulators a clear reference point when they evaluate whether current safeguards are holding the line. Experts have observed that additional PGSI bands receive attention too, yet the top category draws the closest scrutiny because of its direct link to harm indicators.

Reasons People Gamble and Their Reported Feelings

The report highlights the main reasons adults give for gambling, ranging from entertainment and social aspects to the chance of winning money. Most participants describe positive or neutral feelings about their activity, and this majority view appears across both frequent and occasional gamblers. Those who've examined the detailed breakdowns note that negative emotions surface more often among the smaller group showing elevated PGSI scores, which aligns with the way the survey links attitudes to behaviour patterns.

Context Within the Broader Landscape

Because the survey runs every year with comparable samples, it supplies a running record that lets analysts spot gradual shifts before they become pronounced. Data indicates the 2023–2025 window captured a period of relative stability, and the Gambling Commission uses these findings to inform ongoing policy discussions. What's interesting is how the separation of lottery-only figures from other gambling helps clarify that headline participation numbers can mask different underlying dynamics in the rest of the market.

Implications for Monitoring and Future Waves

Future editions will continue to test whether the current stability persists or whether new patterns emerge as technology and product offerings evolve. The survey already records both online and land-based channels, which means any future divergence between the two will appear clearly in the numbers. Observers note that maintaining the same sample size and question set remains essential for preserving the value of year-on-year comparisons.

Conclusion

The third annual Gambling Survey for Great Britain supplies a detailed, up-to-date snapshot that confirms steady participation at 47% overall and 27% excluding lottery-only players, while problem gambling rates measured at PGSI 8+ hold at 2.4%. By documenting reasons for gambling alongside reported feelings, the report adds depth to the statistical picture and supports continued monitoring through 2026 and beyond. The consistent methodology ensures that any changes detected in subsequent waves can be interpreted with confidence.