Consequences from gambling and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI)
The data from July 2023 onwards is taken from our Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), which provides regular information about the gambling habits, attitudes and consequences from gambling experienced across the adult population in Great Britain. Previously, our data was taken from our quarterly telephone participation and prevalence statistics. The change to our collection methods mean that this data is not directly comparable with data from previous years.
First we present data on the adverse consequences of gambling as measured by the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). This measures some behavioural symptoms of gambling disorder and certain adverse consequences from gambling and is asked of everyone participating in the GSGB who has gambled in the last 12 months.
A score of 0 represents a person who gambles (including heavily) but does not report experiencing any of the nine symptoms or adverse consequences asked about. In population prevalence analysis, participants who had not gambled in the past 12 months are also given a PGSI score of 0.
A score of 1 to 2 represents low risk gambling by which a person is unlikely to have experienced any adverse consequences from gambling but may be at risk if they are heavily involved in gambling.
A score of 3 to 7 represents moderate risk gambling by which a person may or may not have experienced adverse consequences from gambling but may be at risk if they are heavily involved in gambling.
A score of 8 or more represents problem gambling by which a person will have experienced adverse consequences from their gambling and may have lost control of their behaviour. Involvement in gambling can be at any level, but is likely to be heavy.
The aim of our regulatory activity is to see a reduction in the rate of people being harmed by gambling.
Consequences from gambling July 2023 to February 2024
| PGSI score | All participants (percentage) | All participants who had gambled in the last 12 months (percentage) | All participants who had gambled in the last 12 months excluding lottery draw participant (percentage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 85.6% | 76.1% | 67.9% |
| 1-2 | 8.3% | 13.7% | 17.8% |
| 3-7 | 3.7% | 6.1% | 8.3% |
| 8 or more | 2.5% | 4.1% | 5.9% |
Data on the experience of severe adverse consequences from gambling
Commercial gambling can generate a range of adverse consequences for individuals, families, communities, and society. Evidence shows that it is associated with financial difficulties, including debt and bankruptcy, relationship conflict and breakdown and increases risks of suicide and domestic violence. We have developed a new set of questions covering these topics for the GSGB. They were developed to measure a broad range of adverse consequences from gambling.
This section considers those categorised as severe adverse consequences, where any experience of them is highly likely to be harmful.
Proportion of respondents who gambled in the last 12 months experiencing severe consequences due to their own gambling
| Data definitions | July 2023 to February 2024 (percentage) |
|---|---|
| Experienced one or more severe consequences | 2.8% |
Proportion of respondents who are close to someone who gambles experiencing severe consequences due to someone else’s gambling
| Data definitions | July 2023 to February 2024 (percentage) |
|---|---|
| Experienced one or more severe consequences | 4.7% |