Survey Shows Gambling Seen as Part of UK Culture Amid Debate on Regulation

A new survey from YouGov, commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), found that nearly three-quarters of UK adults consider gambling a part of the nation’s cultural identity. The results highlight how deeply betting and gaming are woven into British life, even as debate continues over regulation and taxation.

Good to know

• 74% of UK respondents view gambling as part of the country’s culture.
• 31% say government restrictions are already too tight and risk boosting offshore play.
• Only 0.4% of adult gamblers are classified as experiencing gambling-related harm.

According to the survey, 74% of respondents associate gambling with the national culture — whether through sports betting, horse racing, or lottery play. At the same time, many expressed concern about how government actions may shape the industry’s future.

BGC CEO Grainne Hurst warned that stricter measures could backfire. She said:

“Excessively stringent regulations could harm the regulated gambling sector, pushing consumers toward unregulated offshore operators instead.” 

Hurst also pointed to the Netherlands, where higher gambling taxes weakened consumer protections by driving more players to unlicensed sites.

The survey shows growing dissatisfaction with government policies. About 31% of respondents felt that the rules were already too strict, limiting the regulated market’s ability to compete while inadvertently giving an advantage to illegal operators.

The study also noted that only 0.4% of adults experience gambling-related problems. Although this is a small percentage, the BGC acknowledged that the social and economic costs — such as lost earnings or reduced productivity — are still important to address.

Beyond regulation, proposed gambling tax increases are also sparking tension. The British Horseracing Association has already threatened to cancel races in September as a protest against higher taxes, warning of risks to the sport’s long-term sustainability.

The BGC argues that a balanced approach is needed — one that protects vulnerable players while keeping betting in a safe, regulated environment rather than pushing customers into the hands of offshore sites.

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