A study published by the University of Bristol on 17th May 2021 in the Journal Gambling Studies explained that gamblers were more directed towards online casinos during the public lockdown in the UK.
Although the number of people gambling is still low because of the closure of betting shops and casinos, a new trend of online gambling emerged due to the lockdown.
Gamblers who occasionally play are still reported to be twice more attracted to gamble online than before. Those who struggle financially before the imposition of lockdown are more likely to indulge in online gambling.
Alan Emond, Lead author and professor at the study induced by the University of Bristol’s Medical School said, “This study provides insights on how people’s attitude and gambling behavior changed during the lockdown when all were stuck inside and their only option was to indulge in the online world. ”
Although many gambling activities were restricted, the findings exposed that the majority of gamblers were seen to increase their gambling and betting activities online.
The study by the University of Bristol used comparative research and took two online questionnaires during the lockdown of 2020. The survey was taken between the same age group, 28 years on average. These participants have previously answered the same questions but before the imposition of the lockdown.
Above 2,600 adults responded, and the results exposed that during the lockdown, men are three times more likely to gamble online than women, i.e., more than once in a week.
Heavy drinking was concluded as more than six units a session equivalent to three pints of beer at least once a week. The studies on alcohol consumption are strongly related to gambling among men and women.
Professor Emond said, “There is a strong link between binge drinking and regular gambling, and it is of concern. They are both addictive behaviors that can have serious health issues and social consequences. With the wider access of gambling from the different online platforms, vulnerable groups get caught in a very destructive cycle. ”
Other evidence also helped to build the study, including the YouGov Covid-19 tracker study, which concluded that regular gamblers turned themselves to new online options during the lockdown.
Data provided by the Gambling Commission provided by the biggest gambling operators in the UK suggests there is a subsequent increase in revenue due to online gambling. Gambling in Esports has become very popular among gamblers during the lockdown.
Agnes Nairn, Professor of Marketing at the University of Bristol’s School of Management, said, “The result of the study and trends are alarming. As the gambling habits are shifting online, vulnerable groups such as children and adults who drink heavily may more easily get sucked into these gambling platforms. The temptation to gambling online is dignified by advertising.”
Children also seem to be falling into the trap of gambling advertisements, especially for Esports on social media, and get entangled in addictive habits from a young age.
