Whether you’ve dipped your toes into the UK’s gambling scene or you’ve been watching from the sidelines, there’s no denying that it’s a popular hobby. Gambling is nothing new, but what has changed is the variety of options offered to players. Not only can you choose all the standard games at the in-person casinos, but online casinos have opened the door to convenience like never before.
If you’re interested in a deep dive into the gambling industry in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered 10 things you may not know about the industry.
Almost Half of Brits Gamble
Do you have the sense that gambling is pretty popular here in the UK? If so, you certainly wouldn’t be wrong. Statistics show that 48% of UK residents admit they participate in one or several forms of gambling. Remember, that includes all types of gambling, so it’s a broad category.
The National Lottery Is Brits’ Preferred Way to Gamble
It’s normal to assume slots or a table game like poker might have the top spot, but here in the UK, it’s the National Lottery that gets the attention (and money) of players. Statistics show that about 31% of people play the National Lottery. The next closest type of gambling is charity lottery tickets, with 16%.
Physical Scratch Cards and Online Instant Win Games Are Also Popular
What other games do Brits love to play besides the National Lottery and charity lottery? Scratch cards and online instant win games are also incredibly popular. There can be many reasons, but many like how affordable and convenient these options are. You can pick up a ticket relatively cheap and learn right away whether or not you’re a winner.
Only a Small Percentage of Brits Are Classified as Problem Gamblers
Gambling can be a fun hobby and source of entertainment, but it also needs to be approached responsibly. With that said, numbers show those in the UK seem to be well aware of when to call it quits, as only 2.5% of them identify as having a problem with gambling.
The British Gambling Market Is Worth Billions of Pounds
As you may imagine with almost half the adult population taking part in gambling of some sort, the industry is worth a lot of money. Just how much? It is estimated to be worth just over £15.1 billion. What makes this number even more impressive is that the industry is still growing, meaning its value is also growing.
Online Gambling Is More Popular Than In-Person Gambling
When you think of gambling, does your mind automatically envision a traditional and luxurious in-person casino? Maybe you’re thinking of something sophisticated and elegant, just like you’d see in a classic James Bond film. While you can certainly find those, online casinos are even more popular than in-person ones.
Online gambling has exploded in the past decade, removing barriers that used to exist. Before, if you didn’t live near a casino, you were limited in when and where you could play. Now all you need is a digital device with an internet connection, and you’ll be able to tap into the casino world. There are always brand new slots sites in the UK to check out too, which keeps it fresh.
The Number of Workers in the Gambling Sector in the UK Is Growing
This particular fact may seem to be contradictory with the one above, but sure enough, the number of people employed in the UK gambling sector is growing. It’s not a sharp increase, but there has been steady growth that seems to be holding up even when looking into the long term.
There Is a Specific Age Group That Gambles More Than Others
Who are the ones doing all the gambling? All age groups who are legally allowed to gamble do so, but the 45 to 64 years old are the most prolific gamblers. Those 18 to 24 years old do the least amount of gambling.
Slots, Roulette, Blackjack, and Poker Dominate the Online Casino Industry
If you’ve never tried one of the many online casinos, you may wonder what the big deal is. Why are they so popular? Not only are they convenient, but they have mastered the art of creating unique casinos that feel as exciting and as immersive as the real thing. Each casino has a huge selection of games and because they aren’t limited by physical space, the library of games is always growing and evolving. This is the perfect way to get access to the latest and greatest.
A few of the popular games in the online casino industry include slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker. Just like the in-person casinos, you can find games geared to beginners and those for more seasoned players. Some online casinos even have tutorial videos that teach newcomers the basics of each game.
Another feature worth mentioning is that online casinos are known for impressive welcome bonuses. If you create an account with an online casino, there is usually a bonus given on your first and potentially subsequent deposits.
Online Scratch Cards Are Popular with Casual Gamers
Not everyone is a regular player, as some consider themselves casual. Statistics show that casual gamers prefer online scratch cards over other types of gambling. This is the same idea as physical cards, though you purchase them and play online instead.
A Booming Sector with Plenty More to Come
Going through the statistics, facts, and observations, it’s easy to conclude that the gambling market in the UK, both in-person and online, is commanding incredible attention. It’s a market that is still growing, bringing a sense of newness to players, and continuing to generate huge profits. And don’t expect this trend to slow anytime soon.
