Participation figures for online gambling in Wales have grown considerably in the last few years. In 2017, an annual report revealed the rate of online gambling in Wales was 5.4%. By 2023, this figure had increased to 11%.
So, why has online gambling become more popular in Wales? We’ll explore several possible reasons for this phenomenon, from new slot games to enhanced online security and increased convenience.
An overview of online gambling in the UK
Online gambling took off in the late 1990s, when internet access became more widespread. Since then, online gambling has become more prominent in the UK.
Participation
Gambling is a huge industry in the UK and online gambling has been steadily building in recent years. In 2023, participation in online gaming was 38%, a significant rise from the 21% seen in 2019.
Gambling types
The National lottery is the most popular form of online gambling in 2024, with 31% of gamblers participating in a national lottery draw. The least popular type of online gambling was casino games, with only 3% of people reporting their participation.
Age
In February 2024, two age groups dominated the online gambling scene, with 42% of people aged 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 reporting gambling online within the last four weeks. 18 to 24 year olds had the lowest participation, with only 24% gambling online.
Why has online gambling become more popular in Wales?
There could be many reasons for the growth in online gambling in Wales.
Wider variety of games
Gambling online offers a vast selection of games that cater to a larger group of gambling preferences. Not only does online gambling offer traditional casino games such as blackjack or poker, but also provides interactive mobile games and immersive live dealer experiences. With something for every type of gambler, and with new slots and games appearing regularly, online gambling has become much more appealing than in person.
Comfort and convenience
Online gambling is accessible 24/7 and can be done from the comfort of your living room or when you have a spare five minutes waiting for a train. The ability to gamble whenever and wherever you want is an attractive feature to most gamblers.
Better bonuses
Online casinos typically offer more in terms of welcome bonuses, loyalty programmes, and promotions, than in-person casinos do. These incentives may have attracted gamblers who previously preferred physical casinos and betting shops and have online gamblers returning for more.
Anonymity
Gambling online is much more private and can be done without having to reveal your identity. If you prefer to keep your gambling habits discreet, playing online is the best way to keep your habits exclusive.
Enhanced safety and player protection
In 2005, online gambling became controlled and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), after the Gambling Act of 2005 was implemented. This meant safety measures and player protection was now covered online and people could gamble safely and responsibly.
The future of online gambling in Wales
It’s expected that the UK online gambling market will have a compound annual growth rate of 12.6% from 2024 to 2030.
The continuous advancements in technology, unbeatable convenience and more lucrative incentives are all likely to further increase the use of online gambling over the next couple of years. Tighter restrictions will make some online gamblers feel safer whilst others will find it restrictive and turn to unregulated casinos. Either way, online gambling will almost certainly remain popular in Wales and across the UK.