The online gambling landscape in the United Kingdom has seen significant evolution between 2023 and 2024. Fueled by technological advancements, shifting user behaviors, and tighter regulations, the sector continues to be a dynamic component of the broader entertainment market. For those seeking alternative options, exploring a casino not on GamStop has also become more common. Here, we dive into updated statistics, game preferences, and regulatory shifts that define the current state of online casinos and related gaming activities in the UK.
Growing User Base: Numbers That Matter
In 2023, the UK Gambling Commission reported that 19.6 million adults engaged in some form of online gambling, including lottery-only players. When excluding lottery-only participants, the figure stood at 8.1 million adults. Remarkably, 26% of the UK population — approximately 17.5 million people — took part in online gambling, with a staggering 32 million active accounts, highlighting that many individuals maintain multiple accounts across different platforms.
Demographically, the most engaged age groups were:
- 45–54-year-olds: 35% participation
- 35–44-year-olds: 31% participation
Gender distribution showed that 29% of males and 24% of females participated in online gambling activities, indicating a noticeable but not overwhelming gender gap.
Fast-forwarding to 2024, estimates suggest around 29 million active gamblers across all forms of gambling — including casinos, sports betting, and bingo. Surveys conducted in late 2023 and early 2024 found that 38% of UK adults had engaged in online gambling activities, marking a significant jump from the previous year.
Changing Behavior: Shorter Sessions, Mobile Dominance
One of the notable shifts observed is the decline in session durations. In 2019, the average online gambling session lasted around 26 minutes. By 2024, this had shrunk to 16 minutes, suggesting that users are engaging more frequently but for shorter periods. This trend is partly attributed to the overwhelming dominance of mobile gaming, as most users now access casino platforms through their smartphones for quick, convenient gameplay.
Game Preferences: Slots Still Rule
1. Online Casino Games
Slots continue to dominate the online casino landscape, generating approximately £3.6 billion in Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) during the 2022–2023 period. The ease of access, fast-paced gameplay, and attractive jackpots have kept slots at the forefront of user preferences.
Other casino games like live dealer experiences (blackjack, roulette) and classic table games also maintain strong popularity, though specific 2024 figures for revenue distribution among game types remain less detailed.
2. Sports Betting
Sports betting remains a crucial segment, with football leading remote betting revenues at around £1.1 billion in GGY, followed by horse racing at £771.1 million. Trends like in-play betting and accumulators are gaining traction, appealing to users seeking dynamic and multi-outcome betting opportunities.
3. Bingo
Remote bingo, while a smaller part of the market, contributed £167.1 million in GGY by 2024. Its appeal remains strong among certain demographic groups, especially older adults and communities that value social gaming experiences.
Regulatory Impact: Shaping User Behavior
Regulatory changes introduced in 2024 have profoundly impacted user behavior and operator practices.
- Stake Limits: New rules cap online slot machine bets at £5 per spin for players aged 25 and older, and £2 per spin for younger adults aged 18–24. These measures aim to protect vulnerable populations and encourage responsible gambling.
- Financial Checks: High-stakes players are now subjected to mandatory financial background checks to detect and prevent problematic gambling patterns.
- Marketing Controls: Restrictions on cross-selling gambling products and direct promotional tactics have tightened, limiting how operators can target users across different product categories.
These regulatory efforts, coupled with growing social awareness about gambling harms, are gradually reshaping the ecosystem, prioritizing safer gambling environments.
Key Market Trends: Consolidation and Shifting Landscapes
The number of licensed gambling operators has been steadily decreasing, a sign of market consolidation. By 2023, the UK had 2,285 licensed operators, down from 2,689 in 2021. This reduction reflects higher regulatory standards, competitive pressures, and a more mature market.
Mobile dominance is another defining trend. While specific figures on mobile usage were not detailed, industry reports confirm that the majority of users prefer mobile platforms for their flexibility and user-friendly interfaces.
Moreover, the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, which collects data from over 20,000 participants annually, is set to provide even more granular insights moving forward. This large-scale research initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to understanding and managing the evolving gambling landscape.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
As the online gambling market in the UK matures, certain projections seem clear:
- Continued growth in mobile-first platforms will drive innovation in app development, game design, and user experience.
- Further regulation is expected, especially around advertising practices, affordability checks, and data privacy.
- Emerging technologies like VR casinos and AI-driven personalized gaming experiences could reshape how users engage with online gambling.
- Changing demographics may also alter the balance, with younger users increasingly seeking more interactive and social forms of gambling entertainment.
While slots and sports betting will likely maintain their dominance, the industry must adapt to an increasingly cautious and regulation-heavy environment.
Between 2023 and 2024, the UK online casino market has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and significant growth despite regulatory headwinds. With nearly 40% of adults now participating in online gambling and a noticeable shift toward mobile engagement, the sector is set for further transformation.
Understanding user preferences, staying compliant with evolving regulations, and fostering responsible gambling will be key to sustainable success in the years to come. Whether you’re an operator, a policymaker, or simply an interested observer, the UK online gambling scene remains one of the most dynamic and closely watched markets in the world.