UK Online Gambling Statistics 2025

Trends, Habits and Player Behaviour

The UK online gambling sector constantly evolves, with shifting player habits, emerging trends, and rich data revealing how, when, and where people play.

Grounded in the latest insights from the UK Gambling Commission and market research, this article explores the state of UK online gambling in 2025.

While the data informs, remember that staying in control matters whether you’re a casual or frequent player.

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MARKET SIZE & GROWTH, NATIONAL GAMBLING HABITS & ACTIVE PLAYERS & SESSION DATA

Market Size & Growth

·     The UK online gaming market is one of the world’s largest, with an estimated revenue of US $28.86 billion in 2025, which is expected to grow to over US $32 billion by 2029 (CAGR 2.9%).

·     Another source cites a UK online gambling marketof USD 7,371.5 million in 2024, forecasted to reach USD 15,093.8 million by 2030 (CAGR 12.8%), led by sports betting.

 

National Gambling Habits

·     Overall gambling participation stands at 49%, stable through 2023–2024.

·     Removing lottery-only participants drops overall participation to 28%.

·     Online gambling participation is 38% (16% excluding lotteries).

·     In‑person gambling is 29% (19% excluding lotteries).

Active Players & Session Data (Q1 2024–25)

Among major operators (≈ 80% market coverage):

·     Active players: Slots £4.45M; Casino games £2.64M; Betting (real events) £6.18M.

·     Number of bets/spins:

o  Slots: 7.49B sessions

o  Casino gaming: 334M bets

o  Betting (real): 290M bets

·     Gross Gambling Yield (GGY):

o  Slots: £213M

o  Casino games: £53M

o  Betting (real): £229M.

CHANGING DYNAMICS, PLAYER DEMOGRAPHICS & BEHAVIOUR, YOUTH GAMBLING TRENDS & CONCERNS

Changing Dynamics: Rise in Online Slots

·     Q1 2025 saw slot GGY climb 14%, reaching £745 million, spins up 8% to 24.4 billion.

·     Real-event betting GGY dropped 9% to £570  million, with bets down 7% and active accounts falling 16%.

 

Player Demographics & Behaviour

·     Highest overall gambling participation among males aged 45–54.

·     For online play (excluding lotteries), the highest participation rate shifts to males aged 25–34.

·     Approximately 29 million active online gamblers in the UK as of April 2025 across formats like poker, sports betting, and casinos.

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Youth Gambling Trends & Concerns

·     Among 11–17-year-olds, 27% gambled with their own money in the past year.

·     Estimated 85,000 children now meet problem-gambling criteria, more than double 2023 levels.

·     While general participation is falling to record lows, online activity continues rising. Mainly via offshore unlicensed betting websites, such as crypto casinos.

A group of males sitting in a bar watching the sport on the big screen whilst one is also betting online
Set in a casino, a black sign with white text saying EXPANSION OF 24-HOUR ADULT GAMING CENTRES (AGCs) UP 7% BETWEEN 2022 AND 2024, HAS SPARKED SOCIAL CONCERN

EMERGING FORMS & KEY INSIGHTS & OUTLOOK

Emerging Forms: AGCs & Societal Impacts

·     Expansion of 24-hour Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs), up 7% between 2022 and 2024, has sparked social concern.

·     They contribute over £500 million annually, often concentrated in lower-income areas.

Due to these challenges, regulatory reforms and responsible gambling campaigns are increasingly being used.

Key Insights & Outlook

Insight                                    Details

Market Size                             One of the largest online gaming markets globally (US$28B+)

Growth Drivers                       Sports betting and slot popularity

Player Base                             Approx. 29M active online gamblers

Player Habits                          Shift toward slots; young adults (25–34) dominate online play

Youth Risk                              Rising underage gambling, even as overall participation dips

Regulatory Importance        Strong compliance and responsible tools are crucial

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OVERVIEW

The data paints a clear picture: UK online gambling is large, dynamic, and full of shifting patterns. Player safety, regulatory compliance, and responsible platforms are more critical than ever.

Stay informed, and when you're ready to play, choose a UK-licensed casino you can trust.

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CJ Info Guide

European Online Gambling Statistics 2025

Global Online Gambling Statistics 2025

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