Report finds falling trust in fairness of gambling

Gambling's reputation for fairness has continued to worsen with the British public according to the latest figures published by the industry regulator.

The Gambling Commission's report into gambling participation in 2018 found that 30 per cent of those surveyed thought gambling "is fair and can be trusted", down three percentage points on the previous year and from 48.8 per cent in 2008.

According to the commission best odds and the reputation of a company for being fair and trustworthy were the top factors that were important when gamblers first selected an operator.

The report also said that 38 per cent of people thought gambling was "associated with criminal activity", down three percentage points on 2017.

A Gambling Commission spokesperson said: "A key factor that influences where someone gambles is a company with a reputation for being fair and trustworthy. Consequently, responsible gambling companies that deliver great customer service will be at an increasingly competitive advantage.

"As the regulator, trust, safety and fairness are vital to us and we want everyone to focus on how we can make gambling fairer and safer for all. This includes operators, charities, researchers and treatment providers who have a role in working with us to build a stronger culture of innovation and evaluation to benefit consumers and reduce harm."

Neil McArthur is CEO of the Gambling CommissionCredit: Richard Stonehouse

The survey, carried out by telephone and online by market research company Populus, also found that 79 per cent of respondents thought there were "too many opportunities for gambling nowadays" and that 71 per cent thought gambling to be "dangerous for family life".

However 62 per cent of those surveyed said people had the right to gamble "whenever they want".

The research found that overall gambling participation had remained stable, with 46 per cent of respondents aged 16 plus having participated in at least one form of gambling in the previous four weeks.

The National Lottery (28 per cent) remained the most popular gambling activity, followed by scratchcards and other lotteries.

Football (5.7 per cent) and horseracing (3.8 per cent) were the most popular betting activities.

In online betting the survey found a "significant" increase in the use of mobile phones for gambling to 44 per cent, up by five percentage points.

There was also a marked increase in those betting on horseracing online, up ten percentage points to 55 per cent. The equivalent figure in 2015 was 38 per cent.

The report also reiterated the latest health survey findings that 0.7 per cent of the population could be classed as a problem gambler.

Headline findings

55% Proportion of online gamblers who have gambled using a mobile phone or tablet in the past four weeks

46% Percentage of respondents who participated in any form of gambling in the past four weeks

38% Proportion of respondents who thought gambling is associated with crime

30% Proportion of respondents who thought gambling is fair and can be trusted

23% Proportion of online gamblers who have bet in-play

18% Percentage of respondents who had gambled online in the past four weeks

6% Proportion of gamblers who have ever self-excluded

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