This report outlines the findings from a study done by YouGov on behalf of GambleAware that looked at the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on gambling behaviour and harm. A nationally representative sample of 12,161 people in Great Britain was surveyed in October 2019, along an additional sample of 3,001 people who gamble and affected others. These participants were contacted again in May 2020 with the aim of showing changes to gambling behaviour over time, especially as it related to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
The study found that there significant reductions in participation in almost all gambling activities from October 2019 to May 2020. The exception was an increase in participation in online casino games. Further, there was a slight reduction in the number of people who were classified as having problem gambling. The report also explores changes in motivations for gambling, reasons for gambling less or more, use of safer gambling tools, lifestyle habits and health, and use of treatment, advice, and support resources.
