A new report from the UK’s Department of Trust (DoT) reveals that gambling accounts for 10.69% of consumers’ leisure spending. This comprehensive study, based on raw bank data from over 300,000 individuals, highlights how gambling fits into the broader landscape of leisure habits.
Gambling in Context: Where It Stands in Leisure Budgets
The report provides a detailed look at how UK consumers allocate their leisure funds. The average gambler spends approximately £390 per month on leisure activities, with gambling taking a modest £41.34. It’s notable that gambling ranks fifth in priority after food delivery, media subscriptions, dining out, and holiday expenses.
For many, gambling is far from a dominant expense. Here’s how the average monthly leisure spending breaks down:
- Food Delivery: £43.97
- Entertainment/Media Subscriptions: £47.53
- Dining Out: Larger but unspecified portion
- Holiday Expenses: Larger but unspecified portion
- Gambling: £41.34
While gambling doesn’t take the largest share, its consistent presence in leisure budgets signals its role as a regular, if secondary, activity.
The High-Value Gambler: A Different Perspective
High-value gamblers, those who deposit over £150 monthly with gambling operators, present a more concentrated pattern. Their leisure spending totals £452.38 per month, 17% higher than the general average. For this group, gambling occupies a significant 42.15% of their budget, equating to £191 monthly.
Despite this focus, high-value gamblers still allocate funds for other leisure activities:
- Food Delivery: £36.52
- Media Subscriptions: £35
- Other Leisure: Remaining portion split across varied activities
Their spending pattern underscores the flexibility of leisure budgets even for those prioritising gambling. High-value gamblers also spend more overall, suggesting a higher disposable income compared to the average participant.
Charitable Contributions and Fitness Spending: Surprising Insights
The report also highlights positive behaviours among gamblers. Over a third contribute to charities, and fitness-related expenses are common. These findings challenge stereotypes about gambling leading to isolated or negative spending patterns.
Charles Cohen, CEO of the Department of Trust, addressed these nuances, stating: “Money talks and in this case, it eats too, since people spend more on pizza than on a punt.” His comment underscores the balanced nature of most gamblers’ budgets, where gambling coexists with other priorities.
Stay-at-Home Activities vs. Out-of-Home Experiences
Interestingly, stay-at-home leisure activities, including online gambling, account for only about a third of total leisure spending. The remainder goes toward out-of-home experiences like dining, travel, and entertainment.
Cohen noted this trend, saying: “Stay-at-home fun, such as Netflix, food delivery, and betting online, is only about a third of leisure spend: the rest is spent on going out or going away.” McDonald’s emerged as the top food delivery choice among gamblers, highlighting the blend of convenience and comfort in their leisure habits.
A Balanced Leisure Mix
The DoT’s findings paint a picture of gambling as part of a diverse and balanced leisure portfolio for most consumers. Even among high-value gamblers, other activities remain significant, suggesting that gambling doesn’t overshadow broader leisure spending.
By providing this nuanced perspective, the report dispels concerns that gambling dominates leisure habits. Instead, it reveals a complex interplay of choices, with gambling taking its place alongside dining out, travel, and entertainment.
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