Consumer expenditure on gambling continued to rise in 2013/14, fuelled by rising lottery sales and the ongoing machine gaming boom in betting shops.

Casino gambling is being given fresh impetus by the opening of new casinos under the Gambling Act 2005, while bingo clubs are looking to a more positive future in which reduced duty rates give them an opportunity to invest in new facilities and formats.

However, over-the-counter betting faces intensifying competition from online sportsbooks, while mounting tax and regulatory pressure on B2 gaming machines could put the brake on further expansion in this key segment.

This report tracks British consumers’ gambling habits in terms of what, where and how they play, identifies the barriers that exist to increased participation, and assesses ways in which land-based venues can respond to the themes, challenges and opportunities that are emerging.

This report will look at the UK gambling market, which is comprised of:

• National Lottery draws, other lotteries (eg Health Lottery/People’s Postcode) and scratchcards

• Bingo

• Betting on sports events (eg horseracing, football etc) and non-sports events (eg politics, TV reality shows etc)

• Casinos

• Gaming machines

• Football pools.

Although the focus of the report is on gambling in person, reference to online gambling is also made for comparison purposes.

Stakes and expenditure from all ‘land-based’ lotteries (eg the National Lottery, the Health Lottery) are included, which includes transactions made both online and offline.

Reference to the betting segment of the market relates to activity conducted ‘off-course’, through betting shops generally found on the high street.

The financial figures shown for casinos and bingo clubs are as reported by the Gambling Commission, and do not include secondary spend (eg food and drink sales).

The number of gaming machines also refers to those licensed and recognised by the Gambling Commission. B2 gaming machines, which offer games such as blackjack and roulette and are often found in betting shops, are also referred to as fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) within this report.

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