The Gambling Commission’s February 2024 corrected industry statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the British gambling sector’s performance from April 2022 to March 2023. The data reveals a robust recovery post-pandemic, with notable growth in both remote and land-based gambling activities.
Industry Overview
- Total Gross Gambling Yield (GGY): £15.1 billion, marking a 6.8% increase from the previous year and a 6.6% rise compared to the last pre-lockdown period (April 2019 to March 2020).
- GGY excluding lotteries: £10.9 billion, up 9.3% year-on-year and 7.6% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Remote Gambling Sector
The Remote Casino, Betting, and Bingo (RCBB) sector generated a total GGY of £6.5 billion, a 2.8% increase from the previous year and a 13.3% rise compared to pre-lockdown figures. Key components include:
- Online Casino Games: £4.0 billion, with slots contributing £3.2 billion.
- Remote Betting: £2.3 billion, predominantly from football (£1.1 billion) and horse racing (£733.5 million).
- Remote Bingo: £173.6 million.
The sector also saw a 10.6% increase in new account registrations, totalling 36.4 million, and a 4.0% rise in active accounts. Funds held in customer accounts stood at £877.5 million, a 3.6% decrease from the previous period but a 26.7% increase compared to pre-lockdown levels.
Land-Based Gambling Sector
Land-based gambling activities, encompassing arcades, betting shops, bingo halls, and casinos, reported a combined GGY of £4.5 billion, reflecting a 20.6% increase from the previous year and a marginal 0.2% rise compared to pre-pandemic figures.
- Betting Shops: Numbered 5,995, a 3.9% decrease year-on-year and a 22.0% decline from pre-lockdown numbers.
- Gaming Machines: Generated £2.4 billion in GGY, up 23.0% from the previous year and 17.9% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
- Non-Remote Betting: GGY of £2.5 billion, a 15.4% increase year-on-year and a 2.5% rise from pre-lockdown figures.
- Non-Remote Casino Sector: GGY of £810.4 million, a 17.2% increase from the previous year but a 20.4% decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- Non-Remote Bingo: GGY of £591.8 million, a 34.0% increase year-on-year and a 2.7% rise from pre-lockdown figures.
Contributions to Good Causes
- National Lottery: Contributed £1.7 billion, a 0.4% decrease from the previous year but a 3.0% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- Large Society Lotteries: Contributed £421.7 million, a 1.0% increase year-on-year and a 14.6% rise from pre-lockdown figures.
Market Composition
- Licensed Operators: 2,343 as of 31 March 2023, a 3.0% decrease from the previous year and a 9.2% decline compared to pre-lockdown data.
- Licensed Activities: 3,229 as of 31 March 2023, a 3.2% decrease year-on-year and an 8.6% drop from pre-pandemic levels.
These statistics underscore the resilience and adaptability of the British gambling industry in the face of unprecedented challenges. The growth in both remote and land-based sectors highlights a robust recovery trajectory, while contributions to good causes remain substantial. However, the decline in the number of licensed operators and activities suggests a consolidating market landscape.
For a more detailed analysis, you can access the full report here: (gamblingcommission.gov.uk).