The UK Gambling Commission has published further data showing how the Covid-19 period has impacted gambling behaviour in Great Britain.

The data reflects the period between March and August. It covers both online and in-person gambling, from Licensed Betting Operators (LBOs) found on Britain’s high streets and also includes consumer research. 

The latest data for August shows that The online market contracted slightly, with the number of bets down 2%, of which real event betting decreased 12%, and the number of active customers decreased 7%.

Gross gambling yield (GGY) decreased 12%. These figures may be attributable to the break in English Premier League football, the holiday season and the loosening of restrictions allowing for more discretionary spending options.

The number of online slots sessions lasting longer than an hour decreased by 7% with the average session length remaining steady at 21 minutes.

The number of customer interactions undertaken has risen 11%; 4% of those interactions reported were direct contact from staff (down from 5% in July).

High street betting – GGY has remained steady, while total bets and spins decreased both by 2% since July.

Gambling behaviours continue to evolve as the country responds to challenges posed by Covid-19, but further underlines the importance of the Commission’s updated guidance to operators.