Uncovering the Spending Habits of UK Gamblers: A Comprehensive Analysis

3 min

In a revealing year-long analysis, the Department of Trust provides an insightful glimpse into how UK gamblers budget their leisure spending and a broader picture of leisure expenditures.

Key takeaways

The Department of Trust analysed bank transaction data of 304,022 UK gamblers, shedding light on gambling habits.
Gambling accounts for 10.69% of a gambler’s monthly leisure budget, with an average monthly leisure spend of £390.
The study, covering over £1.4 billion in leisure spending, highlights how other leisure activities like food delivery and entertainment take precedence over gambling for the average consumer.
High-value gamblers, those who deposit over £150 a month, dedicate 42.15% of their leisure budget to gambling.
The data points to a well-rounded lifestyle among gamblers, who spend money on various activities, from food delivery to gym memberships.

The Department of Trust (DoT), recognised for its pioneering financial Know Your Customer (KYC) solutions for safer gambling, has completed an exhaustive 12-month study that casts new light on the UK’s gambling scene. Analysing over £1.4 billion in leisure spending, the study paints a detailed picture of where gambling fits the financial priorities of 304,022 active UK gamblers. But what makes this investigation stand out?

The Gambling Ledger: A Peek into UK Bettors’ Wallets

First, the analysis reveals that gambling represents a modest 10.69% slice of the average monthly leisure budget. Surprised? Considering the vibrant gambling scene in the UK, one might expect this number to be higher. Yet, the crux of the DoT’s findings is that British gamblers are not just about placing bets but also splurging on various other leisure activities.

In concrete numbers, UK gamblers are setting aside an average of £390 per month for leisure, of which a significant chunk goes towards activities outside the gambling sphere. With the remaining 89% of their budget, they’re diving into food delivery, binge-watching on streaming services, hitting the town, and even booking holidays.

Balancing Bets with Burgers and Boxsets

Charles Cohen, DoT’s chief executive officer, emphasises that gambling is merely one aspect of a richer leisure tapestry for most. Indeed, the British bettor is more likely to spend on getting their McDonald’s fix—87% of gamblers in the sample frequented the fast-food giant—or maintaining their gym memberships than going all-in on blackjack.

However, the high rollers, or ‘high-value gamblers’ who deposit over £150 monthly, tell a slightly different tale. For them, gambling consumes a hefty 42.15% of their leisure spend. Yet even amongst this group, there’s a clear preference for variety, with significant amounts also going towards food, entertainment, and media subscriptions.

Beyond the Bets: A Comprehensive Leisure Landscape

The DoT’s analysis not only opens a window into gamblers’ wallets but also rebuffs the stereotype of gamblers as one-dimensional characters glued to their screens or the betting shop. Diversifying their leisure spend speaks to a group that, while passionate about their betting, is equally engaged in the broader spectrum of leisure activities.

As the industry prepares for the Gambling Commission’s impending study on the black market, the Department of Trust's data offers crucial context. It not only adds depth to our understanding of gambling in the UK but also indicates a shift towards responsible consumption patterns among gamblers.

As we await further insights from the Gambling Commission and future studies by DoT and others, one thing is clear: the landscape of gambling in the UK is as multifaceted as the people who participate in it. This challenges outdated perceptions and highlights the importance of a balanced approach to leisure spending.