The UK gambling industry offers diverse forms of gambling to the public including casino games, sports-betting, bingo and gaming machines. All these are available on the high street from operators who hold the necessary licences issued by the Gambling Commission and local authorities.
The gambling industry is very innovative, often being amongst the first to take advantage of new technologies. With that in mind, this website also includes information about hi-tech ways to gamble via the internet and mobile phone.
73% of British adults gamble at least once a year, and for the overwhelming majority of them gambling is an enjoyable leisure activity. The UK gambling industry employs some 214,000 people - more than enough to fill Wembley stadium twice over. In 2009 the industry generated £8.7 billion turnover.
On top of all the taxes that non-gambling businesses pay, the gambling industry pays betting and gaming duties. In 2009 these duties amounted to £1.4 billion, enough to build and equip three new hospitals. The industry is proud of its contribution to the British economy. More information can be found on the facts and figures page.
But the industry is also mindful of its social responsibilities. Licensed gambling operators comply with stringent licensing conditions designed to protect and help problem gamblers. For example there are maximum limits on stakes and prizes, and procedures are available to enable customers to have themselves excluded from premises where gambling is available.
For a small number of people gambling has become a personal problem. On this website you’ll find links to specialist providers of information and help for problem gamblers.
The seriousness of the industry’s commitment to protecting and helping problem gamblers is reflected in the size of the voluntary contribution that it makes to fund research, education and treatment for them. In 2009/10 the industry contributed £5 million via The GREaT Foundation, and is expected to exceed £5 million in 2010/11. The gambling industry is unique in funding relevant research, education and treatment activities on this voluntary basis.
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