‘The chance to win big money’ - the real reasons why people gamble revealed

FMT

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has released an extensive report which delves into the data uncovered from their 2023 Gambling Survey Annual Report. 

It is the first of two reports to be published, with this study exploring the reasons and motivations for gambling activity in the UK. 

The report was authored by academics from the University of Glasgow, who already contribute to the annual survey reports, in partnership with the National Centre for Social Research. 

Due to the strength of the data and the relatively large sample size it allows the authors to investigate the links between the gambling activities that users get involved in, and the reasons for their participation. 

Crucially, it allows a vista to emerge to understand the attractions and benefits of gambling for many while outlining the pitfalls and potential consequences for problem gamblers. 

The key findings of the initial report categorised the reasons why people gamble into five related themes. These are, “monetary, social, enhancement (gambling for fun or excitement), coping and/or escapism (gambling to alleviate boredom or to help when feeling tense) and challenge (gambling to compete or for the mental challenge).”

It was also stated that monetary reasons are not the primary factor for many users placing bets on certain activities, although winning big was a strong lure.

Another key finding explicitly stated online gambling was often more associated with motives linked to coping and escapism, while in-person betting was more linked to social activity. 

Looking back at the 2023 gambling survey annual report, the most common reasons for given as follows:

• 'The chance to win big money' (86%)

• 'Gambling is fun' (70%)

• 'To make money' (58%)

• 'Gambling is exciting' (55%)

From the data above, there is an indication of the different motivations people experience, acting as a catalyst for their gambling activity. 

On the chance to win big, this is strongly associated with playing the National Lottery even if there is an understanding that the probability is very low. 

For others, as led by the sample size of the overall report, gambling is not money-led, it is about the buzz and enhancement given to social situations or for entertainment. 

This was shown to be a prominent factor for those who participate in: sports betting, football pools, online bingo and scratchcards.

The Gambling Commission’s head of statistics, Helen Bryce, reflected on the report:

“The level of data in GSGB enables us to dig down from the top-lines and show how much these reasons vary according to the activity that someone is taking part in and the way they are doing it – either in person or online. The results are a great example of why it is important not to simply look at ‘gambling’ in a one-dimensional way.” 

“We would like to expand this type of analysis in the future to build on our understanding of how reasons to gamble may also vary according to player demographics,” she added. 

The coping or escapism theme mentioned above is an imperative feature of the report, as it can inform key learnings, as well as identifying areas of concerns for compulsive gamblers and other matters relating to corporate and social responsibility. 

People who fall into this category tend to use gambling as a way to manage stress or switch off, to distract from other personal issues, or just to stave off boredom.

The first of the two reports provides insight into this crucial aspect of gambling activity but the second report (to be published next week) will take a deep dive into the relationship between gambling activity and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scores, as set out in the 2023 survey annual report.

To learn more, visit our responsible gambling page which also offers resources and advice on where to seek help if needed.