British Online Gamblers Are Younger and More Affluent Than Ever Before
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), the governing body for gambling activities in the UK, last week published a report into the behavior of British gamblers between the year 2008 and 2014.
Databuild Research and Solutions Ltd compiled the report on behalf of the UKGC and some of the statistics make interesting reading, particularly when one looks at online gambling and remote (or offshore) gambling by British punters.
Participation in remote gambling has increased almost 50 percent over the past six years, from 9.7 percent in December 2008 to 15.4 percent in December 2014. The proportion of gamblers in the AB social grade category — the most affluent among the country's population — increased from 50.7 percent in June 2009 to 53.6 percent in December 2014, a trend that is mirrored in the participation of remote gambling.
According to the study, individuals in the AB social grade category and those who hold a university degree are more likely to participate in casino games, private gambling and remote gambling than other social grades, and are more likely to shun Fixed Odds Betting Terminals in betting shops, and not purchase scratch cards or play bingo.
The 53-page report, which you can read in full at the UKGC website, reveals that while the appeal of the National Lottery seems to be waning quite significantly (a fall from 46.9 percent of the population playing it to 37.4 percent between March 2013 and December 2014), and usage of fruit and slot machines and virtual gaming machines declining in popularity, participation in remote gambling is growing quickly and has reached new audiences, particularly among individuals aged over 35 year of age.
When looking at gambling activities not including the National Lottery, there is a jump in popularity in gambling among women, employed 18-34 year olds, people who are married and individuals in the AB social grade category although the frequency that British people gamble has remained static across the period of the study.
Do you gamble more or less than six years ago? Where is most of your gambling focussed? Do let us know in the comments box below.
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