'No Increase' In Problem Gambling

Problem gambling has not increased over the last eight years, a report by the Gambling Commission has revealed.

The report showed that there has been little change to the number of problem gamblers in Britain with around 0.6% of the adult population being affected - the same percentage as in the last gambling participation survey in 1999.

The latest survey was carried out by the National Centre for Social Research and its aim was to measure participation in gambling, estimate the level of problem gambling and the factors associated with it and to explore the public's attitude towards gambling.

Since the last survey, the nature of gambling in Britain has changed, the commission said, with an increase in the types of gambling available, such as internet poker sites and fixed odds betting terminals.

The National Lottery remained the most popular form of gambling for most people, although the number of people taking part fell from 65% in 1999 to 57% in 2007, according to the survey.

However, participation in other forms of gambling increased by 2% from 1999, rising to 48% in 2007.

Peter Dean, the Gambling Commission's chairman, said: "The key message is that overall there has been surprisingly little change either in the number of gambling participants or to the number of problem gamblers since 1999.

"We remain concerned that there are still over a quarter of a million adults who are problem gamblers. The challenge, for us and for the industry, is to tackle this through the new licensing regime that has been put in place from September 1. British-based gambling operators must now comply with strict and detailed social responsibility obligations, and we will monitor how these requirements are met.

"This survey gives us a benchmark for the future. It also provides a mass of useful data which we and the authors will be analysing further.

"The survey will be repeated in 2009/2010 and we shall then be able to assess the effect of the changes brought about by the new Gambling Act and the measures we have put in place."

The publication of the survey coincided with the government's announcement of a review of the funding for gambling research, treatment and public education.

Culture Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "I welcome the Gambling Commission's prevalence survey, which establishes a useful benchmark against which we can assess the effectiveness of the new Gambling Act.

"While the results show that problem gambling still only affects a small minority of people, it remains a serious issue, and one which must be addressed.

"The gambling industry has a responsibility to make the right level of funding available to treat those who are harmed by its products. And we owe it to the public to make sure that they have ready access to the facts that they need to make informed choices about gambling, to help reduce the risks.

"I have therefore asked the Gambling Commission to review the current voluntary arrangements for industry funding of gambling research, treatment and public education. I expect the Commission's review to include comment on funding levels, how the money is spent and whether a statutory levy should be considered.

"The Gambling Act has brought in tough regulatory powers. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and will not hesitate to regulate further if needed."

(KMcA)