Gambling refers to the risking/wagering of money or valuables on the outcome of a game, contest or other event in the hope of winning additional money or material goods.
There are many forms of popular gambling in the UK, these include:
The National Lottery
Scratch Cards
Betting on Horse racing
Gaming Machines
Card games (Poker, Bridge, Black Jack)
Non – sports events
Roulette (Table Bets)
FOBT’s (Fixed Odd Betting Terminals)
Football Pools
Spread Betting
Some Gambling facts and statistics
Problem Gambling is becoming a major problem in the West Midlands with almost 75%* of the population gambling regularly.
73% of the adult population (16 and over) participated in some form of gambling activity. This is a 5% increase since the 2007 survey
The most popular gambling activity is the National Lottery, with 59% of the adult population purchasing Lottery Tickets.
Excluding the National Lottery, 56% of the adult population participated in gambling in 2010
Statistics show that one individual’s gambling problem can affect up to four other people including family, friends and work/college associates.
We are losing approximately £24 million on gambling in the West Midlands alone
Betting accounts for 48% of all gambling
There has also been a considerable rise in the use of gambling activities online, mobile telephones and on TV
Men are more likely than women to gamble overall, with 75% men and 71% women (The exception being Bingo: 12% of women and 6% men).
The number of women gambling has increase by 6% to 71%.
Problem gambling is more prevalent in men and younger age groups and significantly associated with being of Asian/ Asian British or Black/Black British origin
There is a significant link between problem gambling if an individual:
Has a parent with a gambling problem.
Is divorced or separated.
Has low educational attainment.
Smokes cigarettes.
