A new survey has raised fresh concerns that the COVID-19 lockdown may be increasing the risk of gambling addiction through online gambling casinos. 

Key findings from the survey:

Despite the cancellation of sports fixtures due to coronavirus, almost two thirds (64%) of regular online gamblers – those who gamble at least once a week – are either gambling the same amount as before or more since the lockdown.

41% of regular online gamblers have signed up to new gambling accounts. 

40% of regular online gamblers think the government should make it more difficult to gamble online, compared to 23% who think the government should make it easier

1 in 3 – 34% – of regular online gamblers think they are spending too much money on gambling or are developing an addiction

Carl Shoben, from Survation said: “This survey shows some evidence of concern that a significant growth in problem gambling may be one of the silent social consequences of the lockdown.

“We know also that gambling thrives when people are at their most anxious about their finances and paying bills. If, as seems to be the case, the lack of access to a more controlled betting environment such as offline betting on sports fixtures is giving way to uncontrolled online betting, this is something the Government must consider as part of its overall regulation on gambling.”

Survation conducted a poll of 1,010 people aged 18+ in the UK, including 537 people who participate in racing / sports or casino / slots betting online, on behalf of the Clean Up Gambling campaign. Fieldwork was between 21st – 22nd April 2020. Data tables are available here.

—

Engaging opinion to inform the future.

Survation provide vital insights for brands and organisations wanting to better understand authentic opinion, adding value and credibility to the research we provide to our clients.

Click here for further information on our industry leading mixed-method market research offering.

For a quote or a chat about your research needs and our packages, contact Harry Mason on 0203 818 9662 or John Gibb on 0203 818 9661

Panel.

Would you like to have your own views represented in Survation’s research work?

To join Survation’s paid consumer opinion panel, simply go to: https://panel.survation.com/ – register (1 minute) and we’ll credit your account with 50 points for simply confirming your email and allocate 100 points for taking a very short survey. Points convert to cash which can be withdrawn each time you reach the equivalent of £50.

You can sign up to our press release list here. Follow Survation on Twitter: @Survation