An estimated 1.4 million grown-ups in Great Britain have a gambling problem, based on seminal figures released days after the treasury head indicated increasing levies on the multi-billion pound business.
Regulator's Annual Study Data
The Gambling Commission’s yearly study determined that 2.7% of adults scored 8 or above on the betting issue measure, a widely accepted tool assessing adverse outcomes of betting.
In the past, the watchdog had cautious about estimating that percentage to the overall populace. Yet, in a decision that places the agency on a confrontation path with the industry it regulates, it has removed this recommendation after analysis of the data by a data specialist.
National Projections
That signifies the study of over 19,000 people can for the initial occasion be used to calculate the total number facing a betting addiction across the country – a figure of 1.4 m, or greater than the population of Birmingham.
The report also points out increased prevalence of betting issues in low-income regions and in categories such as fruit machines and in-play betting on games.
Fiscal Context
The Gambling Commission’s report was published on this week, days after the finance minister indicated proposals to raise duties on the sector at the upcoming fiscal statement. She stated at an event at the party assembly that there was a reason for betting shops and digital gaming sites “contributing additional funds”.
The former prime minister has advocated an additional £3bn in levies imposed on gambling companies to fund the removal of the two-child benefit cap. The former prime minister’s initiative echoes requests from policy institutes such as the research body and the Institute for Public Policy Research.
Business representatives foresee duties to rise, although by a lesser sum than the ex-PM advocates.
Economic Effect
The updated figure of the scale of the issue is likely to feed into the Treasury’s deliberation about the financial advantages of an industry that pays billions in revenue and employs thousands of workers. Skeptics contend betting impedes the financial system through punters spending about £11.5bn each year.
Survey Approach
The 2.7% figure is derived from the authority’s recent betting study of the UK (GSGB), which is now the authority’s preferred leading measure. It replaces a study that generated a much lower 0.4% estimate.
The Betting & Gaming Council has frequently decided to overlook the GSGB in favour of using the significantly smaller number from the older poll.
Regulatory Comment
“This year’s results enhance our understanding of consequences from wagering and provide essential understanding into potential hazards among those who wager most frequently.
“We advise companies to use this evidence to evaluate the risks within their own customer bases.”
