Recent findings from the UK Gambling Commission reveal a complex landscape in gambling behaviors, especially among older demographics. Despite an overall decline in problem gambling, the participation rates among men aged 55 and above have notably increased.
The third annual survey, released on July 16, 2025, indicates that the prevalence of problem gambling in Great Britain has decreased to 2.4%, down from 2.7% in the previous year. This statistic reflects the percentage of adults scoring eight or more on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), equating to around 1.3 million individuals. This marks the first decrease in the survey’s three-year history.
Interestingly, the survey highlights a decline in gambling participation among younger adults aged 18 to 24, dropping to 48% in 2025 from 52% in 2024 and 54% in 2023. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group reported the highest gambling participation at 66%.
Among the notable trends, men aged 55 and older are the only demographic to show a significant increase in non-lottery gambling, rising from 27% in 2023 to 32% in 2025. Their participation in the past month also increased from 18% to 22%. In contrast, younger men aged 18 to 34 saw a decline from 54% to 51%, while the 35 to 54 age group dropped from 49% to 48%.
Additionally, there was a slight increase in non-lottery gambling participation among those aged 65 to 74, rising from 25% in 2023 to 29% in 2025. The Gambling Commission has acknowledged a lack of understanding regarding these trends, prompting a call for further investigation into the activities of older male gamblers.
Another significant finding indicates a rise in help-seeking behavior among 35 to 54-year-olds, with requests for assistance increasing from 2.4% in 2023 to 3.8% in 2025. This suggests a growing awareness of the need for support, rather than an increase in the number of individuals requiring help.
Conversely, the proportion of individuals aged 55 and over seeking help due to someone else's gambling has decreased from 2.3% to 1.1%, with women in this category showing a notable drop from 2.9% to 1.2%. The report highlights a concerning treatment gap for older women, even as gambling rates among older men continue to rise.
Critics have raised questions regarding the survey's methodology. Dan Waugh, a partner at Regulus Partners and researcher at the University of Liverpool Management School, has expressed concerns about the accuracy of the results, advocating for more rigorous academic scrutiny and improved commercial practices.