Strategy
National Strategic Assessment 2020
This report sets out our latest assessment of the issues we face and the risks that gambling poses to consumers and the public
Tackling impact of COVID-19
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone across Great Britain and the ongoing situation has led to an uncertain and unsettling time for the gambling industry and the thousands of people it employs. Most importantly we were concerned that the pandemic would have an impact on consumers in terms of the risks posed to them.
Since lockdown started, we have commissioned fresh consumer research and required additional information from the largest operators to help inform our understanding and allow us to take targeted action to keep consumers safe. This assessment has been prepared in the midst of pandemic and therefore the impact on gambling remains dynamic.
GC action
We will continue to collect and publish data on the impacts on consumers and any associated risks of COVID-19.
The period has split into three distinct phases so far:
Phase 1: the total lockdown period from the end of March to the middle of June, where – apart from the National Lottery – all retail gambling stopped and online real event betting was hampered by the lack of top-class sporting events to bet on.
Phase 2: From the middle of June where lockdown started to ease, seeing top-class sport return and retail beginning to re-open with restrictions.
Current phase: From October, where top-class sport betting opportunity remains but retail access and footfall may be more sporadic due to localised or national lockdowns, against a backdrop of increasing financial uncertainty for consumers.
Next sectionWhat we learnt in phase one
Last updated: 27 July 2023
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