The Gambling Commission releases data on the impact of confinement on gambling behavior
Fewer users invest more time and money in gaming

The following is a summary of a press release published on its website:

The data reflects the two months of full lockdown in April and May and was obtained from the largest online operators and the YouGov Covid-19 tracker. It is based on data published by the Commission on May 12 and June 12. In addition, the Commission issued an updated guide for operators in May that included the need for improved affordability checks, the prevention of reverse withdrawals and restrictions on bonus offers.

The latest data highlights an increase in real event betting and sports betting, in part due to the return, in May, of top-flight football through the German Bundesliga.

Overall participation has decreased, but some players are spending more time and money betting on certain products. Overall average spending per active customer increased by 17% in May, compared to April.

A key component of the guidance issued to traders in May was the instruction to avoid reverse withdrawal options starting in June. Data collected throughout May showed significant use of reverse operator recall functions, suggesting that the updated Commission guidance was adequate and timely, and will ensure that consumers are better protected against harm during the period of lockdown.

According to the Gambling Commission, most online operators offer consumers the ability to reverse a withdrawal request on their gaming account. Consumers can use this feature to change their decision to end the game and extend their session without taking a break or spending more than they originally intended. The Commission, supported by academic research, lived experience and expert advice, regards the use of reverse withdrawals as an indicator of possible damage to the game.

After evaluating the implications, the Commission will now continue to track and assess risk by:

• Assessing the impact of the strengthened guidance issued to operators
• Collecting and publishing the data being gathered
• Working with the industry as land-based premises continue to open
• Where evidence identifies additional risks faced by consumers, taking further action to protect consumers.

The data was taken from YouGov's Covid-19 tracker, which covers a representative sample of around 2,000 adults in Britain each week, and from submissions of the biggest operators, covering approximately 80% of the entire online gambling market.

The full report on Covid-19 related data is available on the Gambling Commission website