The UK Gambling Commission’s latest stats show a big drop in gambling participation, with overall participation down to 46% in the last four weeks from 49% previously.

Lottery Participation Plummets

The main reason for the overall decline is the drop in lottery participation, which is down from 37% to 34%. 19% of respondents only played lottery. Exclude those and the participation rate is 28% which has been stable for 2024.

Young Men Drive Non-Lottery Gambling

For non-lottery gambling, 18-24 year old men are the most active, 47% in the last four weeks. This is in contrast to the overall highest participation among 35-64 year old men.

Online Gambling

Online gambling is 37% but 17% when you exclude lottery only players. The most popular online activities are buying National Lottery tickets (23%), other charity lottery draws (13%) and betting on sports and racing online or via an app (9%).

In-Person Gambling

In-person gambling is 28% but 18% when you exclude lottery only players. The most common in-person activities are buying National Lottery tickets (15%), buying scratchcards (12%) and other charity lottery draws.

What it means for the industry

These stats show a change in gambling behaviour, younger men are playing more non-lottery gambling. The decline in lottery participation means the industry needs to adapt to changing demographics and preferences.