The Gambling Commission, the UK’s gambling regulating authority, has released its latest annual report, which sheds light on its performance during the fiscal year 2022/2023 under the leadership of Chairman Marcus Boyle and CEO Andrew Rhodes.
According to the survey, a startling 23.6 million individuals in the United Kingdom gambled between April 2022 and March 2023. According to the research, 44% of people participated in some type of gambling in the previous four weeks. Interestingly, internet gambling had a 26% participation percentage over the same time period, which was somewhat lower than the 27% participation rate in brick-and-mortar gambling businesses.
The research emphasizes a relatively low percentage of problem gambling at 0.3%, amid debates about problem gambling and prospective revisions under the Gambling Act White Paper. The survey predicts that between 160,000 and 340,000 persons are presently classified as problem gamblers, with an additional 270,000 to 480,000 classed as at-risk gamblers, based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI).
Rhodes and Boyle emphasize the consistency of the 0.3% problem gambling rate, while admitting that despite the low proportion, hundreds of thousands of people continue to struggle with the harmful repercussions of excessive gaming.
The Gambling Commission’s recently unveiled report also showcases that as of 2022, Great Britain boasts over 2,400 licensed gambling operators. The data suggests that the gambling sector has bounced back from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the total Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) reaching £14.1 billion ($17.7 billion) for the 2021-2022 period. This figure reflects an impressive 11% surge when compared to the GGY from 2020-2021.
Further findings demonstrate that the GGY for the British online and remote gambling sector totaled £6.4 billion ($8.1 billion) for 2021-2022. While this represents a 6.2% dip in comparison to the period between April 2020 and March 2021, it does signify a noteworthy 12.4% increase from the figures of 2019-2020.
The comprehensive report discloses that the regulatory body has taken action against 24 operators over the past year. In total, the Gambling Commission has imposed sanctions amounting to £60.1 million ($75.7 million), encompassing fines and regulatory settlements. Particularly noteworthy is the record-breaking £19.2 million ($23.67 million) penalty issued to William Hill, as well as the substantial £17 million ($21.4 million) fine against Entain.
CEO Rhodes and Chairman Boyle jointly commented on the demanding yet successful year, expressing gratitude to all Commission members for their dedication. They acknowledged the upcoming busy period, emphasizing the anticipated significant changes in the gambling sector via the review of the Gambling Act. Ultimately, they conveyed the Commission’s commitment to collaboration with the sector to ensure fair and secure gambling for consumers.
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