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)

2.4.2 Risks by Product Type

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

2.5 Conclusions – National Gambling Context

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.