When it comes to the betting market in the UK, there’s so much fact, figures and history that surround it. Some facts about the market are well-known, such as the dominance of football, the massive size of the industry, and its significant contributions to the economy. Others may come as a shocker. This article will be focusing on the latter, detailing the five most surprising of them all.
Gambling marketing is ubiquitous
Gambling ads are everywhere in the UK – online, in print, and via TV and radio. According to the UK Parliament, gambling companies spend in excess of £1.5 billion on gambling advertisements. Little action has been proposed to counter this, as such betting ads have become a significant part of everyday life for the average Brit.
The world’s top betting companies are based in the UK
Operators tend to prefer markets with less stringent regulations. However, what makes a top-tier sportsbook is the fact that it’s able to legally thrive within a heavily regulated market. Arguably the biggest betting platform in the world, bet365 is homegrown on UK soil and headquartered there. You can use this bonus code at Wincomparator to open an account and get bonus bet credits.
It’s become common to bet on politics
Political obsessives are no longer the only group of people who show interest in political betting. This niche has been growing steadily over the last decade. According to experts, the unpredictability of winner and loser outcomes in political elections combined with the intrigue of a dramatic narrative make it an exciting betting prospect.
Regulations are getting stricter
Gambling regulations are constantly getting stricter since the enactment of the Gambling Act 2005. The legislature and the Gambling Commission implement reforms designed to better control the market and protect customers. Recent rule changes have included restrictions on bonuses, higher taxes, stricter ID verification procedures, and initiatives to prevent gambling-related harm.
Only 0.5% of the population are problem gamblers
Despite so many betting companies and gambling ads in the UK, only 0.5% of the population are problem gamblers, according to one report from Public Health England. This is relatively small compared to other European countries, which have up to 3% of gambling addicts. The reason for this is likely because the UK has multiple organisations like GambleAware, Gamcare, and the Responsible Gambling Council dedicated to helping addicts and preventing gambling addiction.
The UK betting market is continually on the rise, and although several other countries are growing just as fast, there’s no sign of catching up yet. Some of these facts, such as heavy advertising, customer-focused regulations, and relatively low problem gambling, are among the reasons why the UK continues to stay ahead of everyone else.