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Patterns of Play: Extended Executive Summary Report

Author: University of Liverpool (David Forrest and Ian G. McHale) and NatCen (Sokratis Dinos, Robert Ashford, Helena Wilson, Mari ToomseSmith, Alexander Martin) Published: June 2022
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Summary

This report by NatCen and the University of Liverpool examines online gambling patterns in Great Britain. It uses account data and surveys to understand gambling behaviours and identify potential harms.

Topics covered

  • evaluating online betting and gaming habits
  • use of safer gambling tools
  • relationship between gambling patterns and problem gambling
  • demographic differences in gambling behaviour

Key findings

People who do both betting and gaming are most likely to experience problems. Online gaming, especially slots, carries a higher risk of gambling harms than betting.
Men make up most of the betting market, while women are more active in gaming.
The findings suggest a need for closer monitoring of high-spending customers and more targeted interventions.

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