New GambleAware research disproves increase in lockdown gambling
More than half of surveyed punters gambled at same level both pre- and post-lockdown
A new GambleAware report has poured cold water on claims of an increase in gambling activity during the Covid-19 lockdown after 52% of consumers suggested they gambled at the same levels as before the lockdown in late March.
Meanwhile, one in five (20%) with a high PGSI (problem gambling severity index) score said they gambled more during the period between March and May, with 52% of those respondents stating they did so to “relieve boredom or for something to do”.
GambleAware research revealed an overall reduction of 10% in gambling participation between October 2019 and May 2020, with 39% of respondents participating in gambling activity during the last four weeks in May 2020, compared with almost half (49%) during October 2019.
The only exception to this trend was online casino gameplay, which rose from 1.5% to 2.3% during the same period.
The study is part of GambleAware’s ongoing treatment analysis work to better understand the demand, need and awareness of help and support for problem gamblers.
It found that 5% of overall gamblers used safer gambling tools during lockdown between March and May, with 63% of problem gamblers reporting they had accessed these tools during the same period.
Elsewhere, usage of treatment, advice and support remained largely unchanged with 16% of gamblers seeking treatment in May 2020 compared to 17% in October 2019.
It revealed several barriers to accessing treatment, including lack of awareness of support available and the stigma attached to gambling disorder.
“The findings published today show there is a concerning lack of awareness and use of the gambling treatment and services which exist to provide support and care,” GambleAware deputy chair Sian Griffiths said.
“While gambling rates seem not to have increased during lockdown, it is alarming that gambling participation amongst those who are gambling are increasing amongst the most vulnerable groups.
“With more restrictive measures being put into place across the country to control the Covid-19 pandemic, it is absolutely essential that the government, NHS and charities across Great Britain continue to work together in partnership to promote and improve awareness of the online and telephone services available for gambling treatment,” Griffiths added.