Changes in gambling behaviour and harm across the adult population, among priority groups, and by population subgroups in Great Britain, 2021-2024: Repeat cross-sectional annual survey.

BACKGROUND

Recent events, including increases in cost-of-living, may have influenced gambling behaviour and harm in Great Britain. This study aimed to describe trends in gambling frequency, harm from gambling, self-identified gambling problems, and treatment among British adults from 2021 to 2024. It also examined trends in weekly gambling and harm from gambling within priority sociodemographic groups.

METHODS

Data (pooled N = 50,872) came from the annual repeat cross-sectional online panel ASH Smokefree Great Britain Survey, weighted to reflect the British population. Time trends were assessed using multinomial and log-binomial regression, with survey year as predictor. Additional models assessed trends in subgroups (non-homeowner, socioeconomically disadvantaged, mental health treatment, smoking, vaping, cannabis use, exceeding drinking guidelines, age, gender, nation).

RESULTS

Approximately half of adults gambled in the past year. Daily gambling increased from 1.1% (95% CI: 1.0-1.3) in 2021 to 1.7% (1.5-1.9) in 2024; treated gambling disorder also increased, from 0.9% (0.6-1.2) in 2021 to 1.6% (1.3-2.0) in 2024. The highest prevalence of weekly gambling was among those exceeding drinking guidelines (in 2024: 28.7%; 16.7-30.9) and those using cannabis (in 2024: 28.4%; 25.7-31.2). Younger people gambled less frequently but experienced higher rates of harm from others' gambling than older people.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an increase in gambling activity and related harm. In absolute terms and assuming figures are representative, approximately 366,000 more adults in Great Britain had a gambling disorder in 2024 than in 2021, though data for 2021 may be disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Monitoring these trends and investing in harm prevention and support strategies is crucial.