Of all adults who had gambled in the past 12 months, the most reported severe consequence was relationship breakdown due to own gambling (1.6 percent), whilst the most frequently reported potential adverse consequences (happening at least occasionally) were reducing spending on everyday items (6.7 percent), lying to family (6.0 percent) and using spendings or borrowing money (5.7 percent).
(Gambling Commission, 2025)
GSGB supplementary analysis finds:
Online slots are associated with significantly higher PGSI 8+ scores
Risk levels vary sharply across product categories
These findings have informed recent regulatory reforms, including:
Lower deposit limits
Reduced online game speed and intensity
Stronger age-verification rules
Tighter restrictions on promotional practices
The most recent GSGB findings show:
Participation levels remain stable
Lotteries dominate overall gambling engagement
Online gambling continues to grow in prominence
Motivations are largely emotional and aspirational
Problem gambling levels remain stable but concentrated within specific demographics and product types
I hese insights provide important context for local authorities when shaping gambling policies.