The UK Gambling Commission has published its latest report on the local gambling industry revealing that online gross gambling yield (GGY) for Q1 24-25 came to £1.46 billion, up by 12% from the same period in the previous financial year.
There was a record number of 24.5 billion bets/spins for the reporting period, an all-time high for the second quarter in a row.
Key Highlights
- Online GGY – £1.46 billion, up by 12% from Q1 in the previous year.
- Total bets and/or spins – 24.5 billion, up by 11% year-on-year.
- Average monthly active accounts increased 9%.
- Sports betting GGY – £625 million, up by 16% year-on-year.
- Sports bets decreased by 7%.
- Active sports betting accounts increased by 11%.
- Slots GGY – £642 million, up by 10% year-on-year.
- The number of spins – 22.4 billion, up by 12%.
- Average monthly active accounts – 4.4 million, up by 7%.
- Licensed betting operators (LBOs) GGY – £582 million, down by 1%.
- Bets and spins at LBOs – 3.2 billion, down 1%.
The report also shows that online slots sessions which last for longer than an hour increased by 8% to 9.6 million.
The average session remained at 17 minutes.
Around 6% of all online slots sessions lasted an hour or more.
Government Names New Gambling Minister
In related news, the new Labour government has appointed its ministerial team for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, featuring Baroness Fiona Twycross as the new Minister for Gambling.
Twycross will be the UK’s first minister to oversee gambling matters exclusively, reporting to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy.
Joining Twycross and Nandy on the DCMS ministerial team are Sir Chris Bryant, serving as Minister for Creative Industries, Arts, and Tourism, and Stephanie Peacock, appointed as Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society, and Youth.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.
The UK online gambling industry has seen a significant increase in gross gambling yield (GGY) in the first quarter of the 2024-2025 financial year. According to recent reports, the GGY for online gambling in the UK has risen by 12% compared to the same period last year.
This growth can be attributed to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of online gambling among UK consumers. With more people turning to online platforms for their gambling needs, operators have seen a surge in revenue from online betting, casino games, and other forms of online gambling.
Another key factor driving the increase in GGY is the ongoing trend towards mobile gambling. With more and more people using smartphones and tablets to access online gambling sites, operators have been able to reach a larger audience and generate higher revenues.
In addition, advancements in technology have made online gambling more accessible and convenient than ever before. With improved graphics, faster loading times, and a wider range of games to choose from, online gambling has become an attractive option for many UK consumers.
However, it is important to note that the increase in GGY also raises concerns about problem gambling. As online gambling becomes more prevalent, there is a risk that some individuals may develop gambling addictions or experience financial difficulties as a result of their gambling activities.
To address these concerns, regulators and operators in the UK have implemented a number of measures to promote responsible gambling and protect vulnerable individuals. These include mandatory age verification checks, self-exclusion programs, and limits on advertising and promotions.
Overall, the increase in GGY for online gambling in the UK is a reflection of the growing popularity of online gambling among consumers. While this growth presents opportunities for operators, it is important for the industry to continue to prioritize responsible gambling practices and ensure that consumers are protected from potential harm.
