How Many People Gamble in the UK in 2025?
This digital transformation enables more individuals to participate in online lotteries, thereby increasing ticket sales and overall market revenue. The online lottery market in North America is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the increasing adoption of digital platforms and mobile applications. As consumers seek convenience, online lottery services have become more accessible, allowing players https://ninecasinoofficial.com/ to purchase tickets and participate in games from anywhere.
Current participation reflects diverse gambling preferences
When those who have only played National Lottery draws are removed from the data, the ‘all respondents’ online participation rate has also remained statistically stable between 2020 and 2021. The growth in online participation over the last five years has been steadier when only those who have played National Lottery draws are removed from the data. The ban will also apply to credit card payments made through e-wallets such as PayPal (opens in new tab), for example. We understand that the major wallet providers will be able to put measures into effect to prevent credit card payments for gambling. The online lottery market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% from 2025 to 2030 to reach USD 167.8 billion by 2030. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.
With 31% of adults participating in National Lottery games and 12% in sports betting, gambling remains deeply embedded in British culture across all demographic groups. Advancements in technology and the presence of online platforms have significantly altered the landscape of lottery ticket purchasing. These changes have made it possible for people outside the UK to engage with the lottery, provided they adhere to the regulations that apply to online ticket sales. This has opened doors for a wider international audience to potentially participate, although there are specific nuances and conditions which must be met to ensure that all participation is legal and valid.
The next wave of the Gambling Survey is anticipated to be released on February 27, 2025, offering further insights into trends and changes in gambling behaviours. Interestingly, participation in betting has increased by over three percentage points compared to the previous reporting wave. Seasonal patterns influence gambling activity with peak periods in Q1 (January-March) and Q4 (October-December) driven by colder weather and major sporting seasons. Football season from September to May drives highest betting volumes, while events like the Cheltenham Festival in March provide significant boosts to horse racing betting.
However, this growth occurs within an increasingly regulated environment focused on consumer protection and harm reduction. Operators must balance the tried-and-tested retail methods with the increasing prominence of digital engagement. As consumer behavior evolves, the focus is on merging two worlds—one defined by the physical experience of purchasing a lottery ticket and the other by the convenience of digital play. Imagine holding a lottery ticket in one hand and a smartphone in the other—two worlds colliding in a way that redefines how people engage with games of chance. The lottery industry stands at a crossroads where traditional retail experiences and digital advancements must coexist to meet evolving player expectations.
The draw-based online lottery segment accounted for the largest market revenue of over 50.4% in 2024. New game design rules effective January 2025 mandate 5-second minimum spin speeds, ban autoplay features, and prohibit celebrating false wins. These technical requirements aim to reduce the addictive potential of online gambling while maintaining entertainment value. The changes reflect growing understanding of how game design influences gambling behaviour and potential harm.
The online lottery market in the U.S. is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period. A key market driver is the integration of advanced technology in the lottery experience. Lottery operators are leveraging innovations such as mobile applications, blockchain for secure transactions, and artificial intelligence to analyze consumer behavior and personalize offerings. This technological evolution enhances user experience and builds consumer trust, which is crucial for encouraging participation in online lotteries.
The online sports game lottery market is driven by several key factors that enhance its appeal and participation. The ability to engage in sports lotteries from anywhere with an internet connection allows players to place bets and purchase tickets without the need for physical visits to retail outlets. This ease of access is particularly attractive to younger, tech-savvy demographics who prefer digital interactions.
In addition, effective marketing tactics, such as bonuses for new users, loyalty programs, and targeted social media campaigns, help operators attract new participants and retain existing ones. These promotions create excitement around specific sporting events and encourage regular participation. Younger demographics are increasingly drawn to digital formats, favoring the convenience of online platforms over traditional retail methods. Features like multi-draw packages and real-time jackpot alerts enhance user engagement, further promoting regular participation. Online gambling sectors experienced substantial growth during and after lockdowns, with online casino participation increasing 22.5% in 2021 and remote betting up 13.5%. The online sector achieved 18.4% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels, while land-based gambling only partially recovered.
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- The modern gambling participant is increasingly likely to use multiple platforms and engage across different activities, with 83% of non-lottery gamblers now using various channels.
- The most popular gambling activities (in the past 4 weeks) were lotteries, including National Lottery draws (32 percent) and other charity lottery draws (16 percent).
- In the 15 months to September 2020, for example, online lottery participation surged by 10 percentage points, the same increase as in five years between 2013 and 2018.
- Government duty receipts reflected this seasonality, ranging from £884 million in Q1 to £920 million in Q3 2024.
This distinction proves crucial for understanding the gambling landscape, as lottery participation differs significantly from other forms of gambling in terms of frequency, spending, and risk profile. Online gambling continues to be a significant segment, with a participation rate of 37 percent reported. However, this number declines to 17 percent when excluding those who only take part in lottery draws, underscoring the prevalence of lottery participation among online gamblers. Based on category, the draw segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 50.40% in 2024. The primary reason for the large market share of draw-based lottery is the significant prize money it offers. When jackpots reach substantial amounts, such as those exceeding $1 billion, they capture public attention and create a buzz that encourages even casual players to buy tickets.
This trend is supported by advancements in secure online transaction methods, enhancing user trust. The internet facilitates cross-border participation in various sports lotteries, allowing players from different regions to engage with international events. This global reach not only expands the potential player base but also increases ticket sales and prize pools. As governments increasingly recognize the revenue potential of online gambling, many are establishing favorable regulatory frameworks that legitimize online sports lotteries. The China online lottery market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of over 7% during the forecast period. One of the most notable trends is the rapid growth of mobile lottery applications, which cater to the increasing number of smartphone users in the country.
Foreign nationals who are interested in the UK lottery must consider the legislation that dictates who can legally purchase lottery tickets. The National Lottery’s terms and conditions stipulate that tickets must be purchased within the UK or the Isle of Man, drawing attention to the importance of physical location in the purchase process. This does not, however, immediately exclude the possibility of foreigners taking part in the lottery.
Changes in game rules, such as increasing the number of possible combinations, have made it harder to win the top prize, which in turn allows jackpots to accumulate over multiple drawings without a winner. As these jackpots grow, they attract more players, creating a virtuous cycle where higher ticket sales contribute to even larger prizes. The UK gambling industry generates £15.6 billion in annual gross gambling yield, with online gambling contributing £6.9 billion and land-based gambling £4.6 billion.
Age demographics show complex participation patterns that vary significantly by gambling type. Adults aged demonstrate the highest online gambling participation at 42%, while those aged show the highest non-lottery gambling participation among males at 47%. Women aged represent the highest participating female group at 26% when lottery-only players are excluded. These patterns suggest that gambling appeals differently across life stages, with younger adults more drawn to sports betting and older adults preferring traditional lottery games. The digital revolution in gambling accelerated dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, with online gambling participation jumping from 26% to 42% in April 2020. This shift proved permanent, with current online participation at 38% (including lottery) or 17% excluding lottery-only players.
This disparity between participation and revenue highlights the higher spending intensity of casino gambling compared to lottery or sports betting. Casino games appeal particularly to specific demographic groups, with concentrated spending driving substantial revenue from relatively fewer players. The UK gambling landscape reveals that 48% of adults participated in gambling activities within the past four weeks as of 2024, representing approximately 24 million people.
Figure 3: Percent who have spent money on Lottery participation in person and/or online in the last 4 weeks
Foreigners can participate in the UK Lotto by using online platforms or meeting certain requirements for physical purchases. “However, as online platforms grow with lower overhead costs and broader reach, lotteries must think creatively about how to maintain the vibrancy of the physical retail environment,” Magdalenoka-Keen shared. Lottery participation differs by age group, with only 12 percent of 16 to 24 year olds having purchased a ticket across the tracking period, compared to 44 percent of those aged 45 to 54 and 55 to 64. Those aged 25 to 34 and those aged 65 and over drove the significant decrease in participation seen in Quarter 1 and Quarter , with participation among other age groups remaining more stable.
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