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The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on gambling behaviour, harms and demand for treatment and support

Author: B. Gunstone, K. Gosschalk, O. Joyner, A. Diaconu & M. Sheikh Published: October 2020
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Summary

This report by YouGov for GambleAware examines how the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown impacted gambling behaviour and harms in Great Britain.

Topics covered

  • changes in gambling participation and spending during lockdown
  • shifts in problem gambling severity scores
  • usage of and demand for gambling treatment and support

Key findings

Overall gambling participation decreased during lockdown, however online casino gambling increased. While many gamblers reduced their gambling during lockdown, a small proportion increased theirs and problem gamblers were more likely to have gambled more. Usage of and demand for gambling support remained largely unchanged.

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