Mobile Gambling in UK Rose to 51% in Last Year

That mobile gaming is on the rise, we already knew, but just how big is this surge? Well, it depends and varies from region to region, but now we know what the figures are for the United Kingdom, because its chief gambling regulator, the UK Gambling Commission, has just released a statement regarding the soaring mobile gaming industry.

According to them, mobile betting in the UK has increased by 8% during the last year so that a total amount of gamblers who are regularly using mobile phones or tablets for playing wagering games is now 51%. In 2016, 43% of all gamblers were using mobile phones and 18% were gambling on their mobile phones within the last month – which is a rise of 1%.

In the UKGC’s gambling participation and perceptions report it was also noted that the amount of people gambling in any form in the last month dropped from 48% to 45%. Of those who were interviewed, 0.8% deemed themselves problem gamblers, 3.9% identified as at-risk gamblers while 6% of people needed to self-exclude themselves at some point during the past year.

However, creeping doubt in the industry is also on the rise, as trust declines. Only 33% think that gambling is fair and 41% think gambling is associated with crime.

The UKGC’s programme director, Ben Haden, comments: “Our new three year strategy sets out our role in developing a strong evidence base and improved understanding of the impact gambling has on society. Today’s report makes an important contribution to that work as it presents a comprehensive view on how the British public is choosing the gamble and their attitudes to the current market.”

He added: “Our research shows the main factor that influences where someone gambles, is a company with a reputation for being fair and trustworthy. The message from that is clear – gambling companies that treat their customers well and act responsibly will be at an increasingly competitive advantage.”