Regular gamblers ‘six times more likely’ to bet online during the pandemic

REGULAR gamblers were six times more likely to bet online during the pandemic compared to before the health crisis, according to new research.

The study found regular male gamblers were particularly prone to gambling more often online during lockdown in the UK, compared to their previously reported betting habits.

Although overall men and women gambled less frequently during lockdown, partly due to betting shops being closed, some forms of gambling increased.

Usage of online gambling, including poker, bingo and casino games, grew six-fold among regular gamblers.

Respondents who gambled occasionally were still found to be more than twice as likely than before to gamble online.

Those who struggled financially before the pandemic were more likely to report gambling during lockdown.

Lead author Professor Alan Emond, of the University of Bristol, said: “This study provides unique real-time insights into how people’s attitudes and gambling behaviour changed during lockdown, when everyone was stuck inside and unable to participate in most social activities. The findings reveal that although many forms of gambling were restricted, a minority of regular gamblers significantly increased their gambling and betting online.

“As with so many repercussions of the pandemic, inequalities have been exacerbated and particularly vulnerable groups were worse affected.”

The comparative research used two online questionnaires during the first lockdown in 2020, which surveyed the same group of adults, aged 28 on average, who had previously been asked similar questions about gambling before the pandemic as part of the Children of the 90s study.

More than 2,600 adults responded and results revealed that during lockdown men were three times more likely than women to gamble more than once a week.

Drinking more than three pints of beer at least once a week was strongly linked to regular gambling among men and women.

These trends are likely to be much greater in reality, as the majority of respondents to the surveys in lockdown were women, researchers said.

Professor Emond, a public health expert, said: “The strong link between binge drinking and regular gambling is of particular concern, as they are both addictive behaviours which can have serious health and social consequences.

“With the wider availability of gambling through different online channels, vulnerable groups could get caught in a destructive cycle.

“A public health approach is needed to minimise gambling harms.”

The research builds on other evidence, including the Yougov Covid-19 tracker study, which found regular gamblers turned to new online options during lockdown.