Despite ongoing cost of living pressures, the UK gambling market has remained resilient, with consumer spending steadily rising post-pandemic, largely driven by spend on gaming machines and online slots.
Despite ongoing cost of living pressures, the UK gambling market has remained resilient, with consumer spending steadily rising post-pandemic, largely driven by spend on gaming machines and online slots.
Regulatory changes are reshaping the market, which is significantly increasing compliance and costs for operators, particularly in the online sector. At the same time, there is growing risk that tighter controls could push some gamblers toward unlicensed providers, creating a tension between protecting players and channelisation within the regulated market. While this is challenging operators to sustain growth, those who demonstrate strong, clearly evidenced safer-gambling practices can build trust and confidence among potential gamblers.
Younger bettors seek social betting experiences, particularly during major sporting events. Since many young sports fans also prefer to watch sports in alcohol-free venues, betting shops are well-positioned to capitalise on this. By marketing these spaces as the go-to social hub during major sporting tournaments, upgrading venues, offering shareable experiences, operators can not only attract this younger demographic, but also build a loyal customer base for the future.
For the purposes of this Report, gambling activities are defined as:
Retail or in-person gambling is defined as participation in these activities in licensed venues – primarily betting shops, arcades, bingo clubs, casinos and sports stadia – or for the purchase of lottery tickets and scratchcards, shops and other high street outlets selling these products.
Remote gambling is defined as participation in these activities online, whether via smartphone, PC/laptop computer, tablet, smart TV, gaming console or other connected device.
Consumer expenditure on these products is commonly expressed as operators’ gross gaming yield (GGY), which typically equates to stakes minus prizes/winnings.
Online instant-win games are included in the scratchcard segment, as it is not possible to separate retail from remote sales.
Gaming machines in pubs, takeaways, motorway service stations and other non-gambling venues are considered outside the scope of this Report.
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