Problem Gambling Stats

Get the numbers on problem gambling in the UK and wider world.

The UK Gambling Commission defines problem gambling as behaviour related to gambling which causes harm to the gambler and those around them. We decided to understand more about problem gambling, putting data at the forefront of our research.

To build a clear picture of statistics and trends in the UK, our team researched dozens of different sources and compiled a broad array of data insights. We have presented the results below and will update regularly as fresh data sources become available. Sources are indicated with each data point and full references included at the end of the page.

1. According to the latest UK Health Survey figures, 0.5% of respondents were classified as problem gamblers.

Source: UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) Gambling Participation Report 2019.

2. As a broad rule, VIP players can be considered the top 1% of users, which typically generate c. 15-25% of revenue.

Source: Regulus Partners, 2019.

3. Regular users represent the following 9% and c. 40-60% of revenue.

Source: Regulus Partners, 2019.

4. Occasional users represent the remaining 90% and c. 25-45% of revenue.

Source: Regulus Partners, 2019.

5. 5% of gamblers in the UK have ever self-excluded.

Source: UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) Gambling Participation Report 2019.

6. 42% of gamblers in the UK have never self-excluded, but are aware of self-exclusion options.

Source: UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) Gambling Participation Report 2019.

7. 53% of gamblers in the UK were not aware self-exclusion options are available.

Source: UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) Gambling Participation Report 2019.

8. Higher proportions of men have self-excluded compared to women in the UK; 6% of men have self-excluded, compared to 4% of women.

Source: UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) Gambling Participation Report 2019.

9. Those aged 25-34 were the age group with the highest self-exclusion rates (9%), followed by those in the 18-24 and 35-44 age groups (8%).

Source: UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) Gambling Participation Report 2019.

The people behind this page

Compare.bet's online gambling content experts helped write, edit and check this page:

Sam Buckingham sam@compare.bet

Sam is the SEO Manager for Compare.bet and joined us in 2020. He has an MSC in International Marketing & spent time abroad at Louisiana State University. He also works on our interview series for Compare.bet news, speaking to Robert Huth, Glen Johnson and Louis Saha among others. Sam enjoys following Leicester City, the LSU Tigers and the NFL in his spare time.