A report released by the Gambling Commission today reveals that problem gambling has not increased over the last eight years, despite widespread speculation to the contrary. It also shows that it is spread betting and FOBTs at bookmakers that are most likely to cause gambling problems. Around 0.6% of Britain’s adult population are problem gamblers, the same percentage as in the 1999 survey.

Since 1999 there has been an increase in the number of gaming products available but there appears to be surprisingly little change in either the number of gambling participants or to the number of problem gamblers. The survey, coming as it did just after the implementation of the Gambling Act 2005 on 1 September 2007, will provide a benchmark to measure the impact of the new laws.

Gambling Commission Chairman Peter Dean commented, “We remain concerned that there are still over a quarter of a million adults who are problem gamblers. The challenge, for us and for the industry, is to tackle this through the new licensing regime that has been put in place from 1 September. British-based gambling operators must now comply with strict and detailed social responsibility obligations, and we will monitor how these requirements are met.”

The survey is to be repeated in 2009/2010 to assess the changes brought about by the Gambling Act. At present around 68% of the population – about 32 million adults – had participated in some gambling activity over the past year, and surprisingly this was a lower figure than the 72% in 1999. 10 million of those who gambled only did so on the National Lottery, which was also the most popular gambling activity in Britain (57%). Scratchcards came next at 20% with betting on horse races at 17%. Playing slot machines was fourth with 14%.

Very few people take advantage of the new forms of gambling available, with just 6% of people using the Internet. However, the highest prevalence of problem gambling was found among those who participated in spread betting. Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) and betting exchanges were also most likely to be a cause of problem gambling. The general attitude of the public was found to be negative towards gambling activity, saying it should not be encouraged although all adults should have a right to gamble.

The Government has issued a press release announcing a review of the funding for gambling research, treatment and public education. It reiterates the ongoing commitment to tackling problem gambling and says the results of the survey are not grounds for complacency, even though Britain has one of the lowest rates of problem gambling anywhere in the world.

DCMS Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: “The gambling industry has a responsibility to make the right level of funding available to treat those who are harmed by its products. And we owe it to the public to make sure that they have ready access to the facts that they need to make informed choices about gambling, to help reduce the risks. I have therefore asked the Gambling Commission to review the current voluntary arrangements for industry funding of gambling research, treatment and public education. I expect the Commission’s review to include comment on funding levels, how the money is spent, and whether a statutory levy should be considered.”

In the light of the study’s findings that gambling activity has not increased since 1999, despite the availability of more gambling products, it will be interesting to see if there is movement on the stalled new casino licences authorised under the Gambling Act 2005. It should be more difficult for the anti-gambling lobbies to make a solid case against a pilot regional casino offering more slot machines with bigger jackpots, as it appears the casino industry has a long way to go before convincing the British public to add casino gambling to their list of entertainments.

Now, with a benchmark in place, would be an excellent time to test exactly how the advent of banks of glittering slot machines in a casino complex will affect gambling habits in Britain. It would also test the commitment and ability of casino operators to control and prevent problem gambling at their premises. Manchester was the place selected for the super casino licence and perhaps it is time to let it get underway so that a social impact study can settle the question of casino problem gambling once and for all. (E-09.19.07)

© Copyright 2007 CasinoCompendium



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