The online gambling market in the UK contracted slightly during the Covid-19 pandemic between March and August, according to statistics from the UK Gambling Commission.
The number of bets online fell two per cent, of which real event betting decreased by 12 per cent and the number of active customers was also down, by seven per cent.
The gross gambling yield (GGY) went down by 12 per cent, which the Commission suggests was probably due to the break in English Premier League football, the holiday season and the loosening of restrictions that permitted more discretionary spending options.
Also reported is the number of online slot sessions lasting longer than an hour, also down by seven per cent with the average session remaining steady at 21 minutes.
The Commission notes: “Gambling behaviour continues to evolve as the country responds to the challenges posed by Covid-19, but further underlines the importance of the Commission’s updated guidance to operators.”
This, it emphasises, sets out the need for improved affordability checks, the prevention of reverse withdrawals and restrictions on bonus offers.
