Gambling Grabs Nearly 11% of UK Leisure Spending

A recent report by the UK's Department of Trust (DoT) has shed light on the spending habits of brits, revealing that gambling comprises 10.69% of their monthly leisure budgets. This study, based on the analysis of bank data from over 300,000 individuals, provides a detailed breakdown of how gambling fits into broader leisure spending trends.

Key Findings: Gambling’s Role in Leisure Budgets

The study examined payment data from 304,022 consumers who made transactions with UK-licensed gambling operators between April 2023 and April 2024. On average, UK consumers allocated £390 per month to leisure activities, with £41.34 of that amount spent on gambling, either in brick-and mortar establishments or online casino deposits.

Gambling ranked as the fifth most popular leisure expenditure category, trailing behind:

• Entertainment and media subscriptions (£47.53)
• Dining out (£45.67)
• Holiday expenses (£45.14)
• Food delivery (£43.97)

Insights into High-Value Gamblers

The report highlighted differences in spending patterns among high-value gamblers, defined as those with net gambling deposits exceeding £150. This group allocated a more significant portion of their leisure budgets to gambling, spending an average of £191 per month on the activity—equivalent to 42.15% of their overall leisure spending. Despite this, they continued to invest in other categories, including food delivery (£36.52) and media subscriptions (£35).

Diverse Leisure Mix

Charles Cohen, CEO of the Department of Trust, commented on the findings: “Money talks, and in this case, it eats too, since people spend more on pizza than on a punt.” Cohen emphasized that gambling typically forms part of a varied leisure mix for most consumers, with no indication that it encroaches on other activities or leads to a particularly stay-at-home lifestyle.

The study further revealed that over a third of gamblers surveyed made charitable contributions and frequently allocated funds toward fitness-related expenses. Interestingly, McDonald’s was identified as the most popular food delivery choice among this demographic.

Stay-at-Home vs. Out-of-Home Spending

Stay-at-home activities, such as online casino betting, food delivery, and streaming services, accounted for roughly a third of total leisure spending. However, out-of-home experiences—including dining out and travel—remained dominant in the overall expenditure landscape.

Broader Implications for UK Gambling

This data paints a clearer picture of gambling’s place within the UK leisure economy. While high-value gamblers dedicate a significant chunk of their budgets to gambling, the average consumer incorporates it as just one part of a broader leisure mix.

For those in the gambling industry, these insights highlight the importance of catering to diverse audiences—from casual players to high-value spenders—and ensuring offerings complement other leisure pursuits. As gambling remains a prominent feature of UK consumer spending, operators have an opportunity to refine their services and foster responsible engagement. Policymakers and stakeholders, too, can use this information to strike a balance between industry growth and consumer well-being.

Conclusion

Gambling continues to hold a unique spot in the UK leisure landscape, providing entertainment without dominating consumers’ lifestyles. The Department of Trust’s findings underscore the need to view gambling as part of a larger leisure ecosystem—an industry that thrives when it aligns with the varied preferences and habits of the UK public.