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Further data shows the impact of Covid-19 on gambling behaviour

12 June 2020

The Gambling Commission has today published further data showing the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on gambling behaviour.

The data reflects the first full month of lockdown in April and was collected from the largest online operators and the YouGov Covid-19 tracker. It builds on data published by the Commission, after which the Commission issued updated guidance to operators which included the need for improved affordability checks, the prevention of reverse withdrawals and restrictions on bonus offers.

This latest set of data is consistent with the first set of data. Overall participation1 has decreased but some engaged players are spending more time and money gambling on certain products. This is why the Commission strengthened guidance for operators to ensure people are more protected from harm.

Having assessed the implications, the Commission will now continue to track and assess risk by:

  • assessing the impact of the strengthened guidance issued to operators
  • collecting and publishing the data being gathered
  • supporting the industry as land-based premises begin to open
  • where evidence identifies additional risks faced by consumers, taking further action to protect consumers.

The data was taken from YouGov’s Covid-19 tracker2, which covers a representative sample of circa 2,000 adults in Great Britain each week, and from submissions of the biggest operators, covering approximately 80% of the entire online gambling market.3

The full report on Covid-19-related data is available on the Gambling Commission’s website.

Notes to editors

1Participation rate taken from operator data on active player accounts, i.e. players who have placed one or more bet or spin during the month.

2YouGov’s Covid-19 tracker, 16-17 April to 6-7 May. Based on responses from 8,713 adults in Great Britain, aged 18+. These figures may contain some duplication of customer numbers where it is not possible to identify unique customers. YouGov’s Covid-19 tracker, 16-17 April to 6-7 May. Based on responses from 8,713 adults in Great Britain, aged 18+.

3These figures may contain some duplication of customer numbers where it is not possible to identify unique customers.

Last updated: 11 August 2021

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