The data, collected from the largest online operators and reflects online gambling only, reflects March plus three months of full lockdown in April, May and June.
As the country moves out of full lockdown, gambling behaviours have changed but still provide justification for the Commission’s updated guidance to operators – which included the need for improved affordability checks, the prevention of reverse withdrawals and restrictions on bonus offers.
Data provided by operators shows a Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) increase of 11 per cent for online real event betting between May and June (rising to £217.5m), with GGY higher during June than at ‘average’ pre-lockdown levels.
The data indicates the release of pent-up demand, particularly for football-related betting and should be seen in the context of the lack of availability or reluctance of some consumers to bet in Licensed Betting Offices (LBOs).
A number of player-friendly attributes in June included the high frequency of fixtures following the return of top flight football, some live free-to-air television coverage, and favourable timings in terms of matches being spread out during the day and evening.
The number of online gambling products played by individual consumers continues to decrease slightly as the COVID-19 crisis evolves from its peak earlier in the year, although players are still more engaged than they were in March 2019 – the figure for those engaged in more than one activity is down from 41% in April to 35% in June.
Between May and June, the number of customer interactions undertaken rose by 12% (from 760,48 to 849,428), although within that number the majority were automated in nature.
Source: GMB / G3 Newswire
