The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published its latest data regarding the impact that the relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown measures had on the British customers’ gambling behaviour.
The latest data unveiled by the country’s gambling regulatory body reflects the period from March to September 2020, and covers both retail and online gambling. In order to make the report, the UKGC had used consumer research and data provided by UK high-street Licensed Betting Operators (LBOs).
The latest data for September regarding the gambling sector shows that UK’s online gambling market registered a month-on-month increase of 3% in gross gambling yield (GGY), as well as a growth of 7% in active accounts. The Gambling Commission explained that the key driver of this growth is real event betting. The latter registered a 14% growth in active accounts, as well as a 15% growth in its gross gambling yield. According to the data provided by the gambling industry watchdog, it is likely to have been enhanced by the return of the English Premier League (EPL) football matches.
When it comes to online slots, the Gambling Commission revealed that the average session length for this game in particular remained basically unchanged at 21 minutes. However, a small decline of 3% was registered in the number of online slots sessions that lasted longer than one hour.
Return of EPL Matches and Betting Shops’ Reopening Had a Positive Impact
The latest data unveiled by the UKGC also showed that licensed betting companies experienced a month-on-month increase across some metrics. For example, a 7% growth in bets or spins placed and a 7% growth in the gross gambling yield to £187 million was registered, with the increase probably being affected by the fact that local retail betting shops were allowed to resume operations after the first wave of the shutdown passed. The growth was likely to be impacted by the return of the matches in the English Premier League.
The country’s gambling watchdog shared that along with the aforementioned data, it is also releasing further consumer research to measure the broader impact that the Covid-19 crisis had on British people. The regulatory body is aimed at providing further insights into the reasoning that justifies some individuals’ gambling activity ups and downs since the first lockdown took place.
The UKGC shared that local customers’ gambling behaviours have continued to evolve at a time when the country sees different levels of restrictions. The regulator further noted that it is to continue to monitor the industry closely, especially considering the new wave of national lockdowns that have been recently announced.
The Gambling Commission has also got in contact with gambling companies to remind them that they are still required to make sure they carry out the improved affordability checks that were implemented in May. The operators will also have to prevent reverse withdrawals and restrictions on special enticements and bonus offers that would attract consumers to their services and encourage them to continue gambling.
- Author
Daniel Williams
