NHS Study Reveals Differing Gambling Rates from UKGC; Men At Risk

Problem gambling in the UK has remained largely stable, according to a comprehensive study conducted by the NHS. Data released earlier this week from the NHS Health Survey for England 2024 (HSE 2024) indicated the number of UK adults at risk of some form of problem gambling was put at 5%.

In terms of actual problem gambling, this translates to 1%. Other demographics assessed in the survey, included year, age, and gender. The results were placed on a sliding Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), measuring problem gambling and the severity of a gambler’s habits.

A misleading picture?

Compared to the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and their most recent survey in October 2025, which noted that 2.7% of UK bettors were problem gamblers, the NHS’s study appears to reveal a significant disparity.

While the NHS rates were lower, more pressure is being exerted on the authorities to treat problem gambling as a health issue.

Fundamentally, the betting landscape in the post-budget era is shifting. While there were record levels of engagement during Responsible Gambling Week, a 40% uptick on the 2024 campaign, gambling companies spent £2 billion on advertising and marketing in 2024.

However, with stricter regulations coming into place, such as the prohibition of cross-selling promotional offers, such as ‘Bet £5 Get 50 Free Spins’, gambling companies have had to pivot.

Nevertheless, the NHS study revealed that in 2024, 48% of adults aged 16 or over participated in one form of gambling activity within the past 12 months.

Breaking down the figures

If we drill into the figures further, 5% of adults, according to the NHS survey, produced a PGSI score of 1 or more, indicating a greater risk of succumbing to problem gambling. Online gambling rates, as the survey suggests, varied widely between regions.

For example, based on gambling activity over the last 12 months, the North East returned the highest participation rate (14%), while the lowest was in London (6%). Men were also deemed more likely to fall into problem gambling habits, and they wagered more than women in 2024.

Other trends emerge

In the NHS study, it is suggested that gambling participation was different according to age groups. For example, 31% of respondents aged 16 to 24 were involved in betting activity in 2024, and this soared to 58% for those in the 55-64 age range.

Given that gambling in the UK is barred to those who are 18 or under, this may skew or affect the results in the 16-24 age group. However, underage gambling has become a more prevalent concern, and there have been calls to ban gambling ads on live sporting events before the 9pm watershed to tackle the issue.

Fuelling debate

Clearly, the NHS has been trying to take a lead on problem gambling, and by becoming the main commissioner of projects, its influence will only continue to grow. However, the impact of the budget will dictate whether the betting industry continues to succeed in the future.

Earlier this month, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) CEO, Grainne Hurst, said:

“Evidence, not ideology, should drive policy, and the evidence is already overwhelming.

“At the crossroads, the Government has already headed down the wrong road. The question is whether it is prepared to turn back before lasting damage is done, or will they simply allow the black market to dictate the future of betting and gaming in the UK, which will only result in harm for the consumer, jobs, sports, and business.”