The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) is experiencing a sense of ease. A new study from the National Health Service (NHS) indicates that compulsive gambling is decreasing in Britain.
This NHS analysis, which provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s well-being, revealed that from 2021 to 2022, the population grappling with gambling disorders lessened. This upward trajectory has been steady since 2018, with the total proportion of problem gambling falling from 0.5% to 0.4%.
Positively, both males and females witnessed a reduction in problematic gambling figures. For males, the rate went down from 0.8% in 2018 to 0.6% in 2021. Females encountered an even sharper decline, with problematic gambling proportions plunging from 0.3% to 0.1% within the same timeframe.
Michael Dugher, the UKGC Chief, conveyed his contentment with the results, highlighting that despite the prevalence of wagering in the UK, problematic gambling persists at low levels compared to global standards. He further noted that this autonomous NHS research aligns with the UKGC’s own figures, which demonstrate a similarly consistent and minimal rate of problem gambling at 0.3%.
Dugher contends that the gaming sector’s emphasis on utilizing technology and information to pinpoint and safeguard susceptible persons is proving successful in mitigating problem gambling.
In 2021, although 50% of adults engaged in some type of wagering, a mere 10% participated virtually.
Intriguingly, the 16 to 34 age demographic exhibited the lowest propensity for gambling overall, with a mere 39% indicating involvement.
Dougall contended, “These findings reaffirm that the overwhelming majority of those who gamble do so responsibly and safely, rendering their opposition to intrusive verifications and sweeping limitations entirely valid.”
“This investigation should serve as a stark message to anti-gambling advocates who perpetually propagate the fallacy that problematic gambling constitutes a public health emergency.”