Great Britain’s gambling industry has surged by more than 20% in the past year, marking a substantial rebound to pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest data released by the Gambling Commission’s Gambling Industry Statistics. The figures, encompassing both land-based and remote gambling operators, depict a robust recovery in the sector despite recent challenges.
The total gross gambling yield (GGY) for the 12 months from April 2022 to March 2023 soared by 6.8% year-on-year, reaching an impressive £15.1 billion ($19.0 billion/€17.5 billion). This substantial growth represents a 6.6% increase compared to the period before the pandemic hit in March 2020, signaling a definitive resurgence.
The statistics reveal that land-based gambling witnessed a commendable upsurge, registering a GGY increase of 9.3% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of £10.9 billion. However, this figure escalates to a striking 7.6% spike when the data excludes reported lotteries.
| Gambling Sector | GGY (in £ billions) | Increase/Decrease from Previous Year (%) | Increase/Decrease from Pre-Lockdown Period (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote Casino Games | 4.0 | 2.8 | 13.3 |
| Remote Betting | 2.3 | – | – |
| Remote Bingo | 0.174 | – | – |
| Non-Remote Betting | 2.5 | 15.4 | 2.5 |
| Non-Remote Casino | 0.810 | 17.2 | -20.4 |
| Non-Remote Bingo | 0.592 | 34.0 | 2.7 |
| Non-Remote Arcades | 0.572 | 38.9 | 32.8 |
| National Lottery | 8.2 | 1.1 | 3.5 |
| Large Society Lotteries | 0.944 | 2.6 | 13.5 |
Remote Gambling
Remote gambling, notably dominated by online casino games, remained a significant revenue generator, contributing £6.5 billion to the overall GGY. Online casino games, particularly slots, accounted for a staggering £4.0 billion, underscoring the sustained popularity of digital gaming experiences.
The remote betting sector, led by football and horse betting, amassed a GGY of £2.3 billion. Impressively, remote bingo also made significant strides, totaling £173.6 million in GGY.
One notable aspect of this period was the surge in new account registrations with Remote Casino, Betting, and Bingo (RCBB) operators, witnessing a remarkable 10.6% increase to 36.4 million. Active accounts also rose by 4.0%, reaching the same figure, indicative of a burgeoning interest in remote gambling experiences. The total funds held in customer accounts culminated at £877.5 million by the reporting period’s end, demonstrating sustained consumer engagement.
In the realm of non-remote gambling, various sectors experienced substantial growth. Non-remote betting reported a GGY of £2.5 billion, showcasing a robust 15.4% increase from the previous period, with machines representing 50.1% of the total GGY.
Non-remote Gambling
The non-remote casino sector witnessed a noteworthy 17.2% increase in GGY to £810.4 million, driven by casino games and machines. Meanwhile, non-remote bingo and arcades surged by 34.0% (£591.8 million) and 38.9% (£572.2 million) respectively, indicating a resurgence in these traditional forms of gambling entertainment.
Additionally, the National Lottery ticket sales recorded an uptick to £8.2 billion, alongside an increase in returns as prizes and contributions to good causes, while large society lotteries also exhibited growth in ticket sales and charitable contributions.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the gambling sector in Great Britain appears to have not only recovered but flourished, boasting substantial growth across various segments, marking a promising resurgence for the industry.
The Gambling Commission’s latest statistics paint a picture of a thriving industry, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the gambling sector amidst evolving consumer preferences and challenges.