Gambling Commission Publishes Third Annual Great Britain Survey Report

Three Years of Official Statistics Established

The Gambling Commission released its third annual report from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) on 16 July 2026. This latest publication is a significant development for the regulator and the wider industry, as it establishes a comprehensive three-year dataset of official statistics. The data, covering the period from 2023 to 2025, provides an authoritative overview of gambling activity across England, Scotland, and Wales. The availability of three consecutive years of methodologically consistent data allows for more reliable analysis of trends than was possible with previous research initiatives.

Unprecedented Scale and Scope

The GSGB stands as one of the largest dedicated gambling surveys in the world, a status underscored by its large-scale data collection effort. Each year, the survey gathers responses from approximately 20,000 individuals across Great Britain. This substantial sample size provides a high degree of statistical confidence and allows for detailed analysis of various demographic subgroups. The research is a collaborative effort, produced for the Commission by two leading academic institutions: the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the University of Glasgow, lending significant academic weight to the project.

The survey's remit is deliberately broad, aiming to create a holistic picture of the gambling landscape. It systematically documents participation levels, exploring who is gambling and on what products. Beyond simple participation, the research investigates the specific behaviours of consumers, public attitudes towards the industry, and the various consequences that can arise from gambling. This includes the measurement of gambling-related harm, a key area of focus for the regulator and its policy-making.

Robust Methodology and Harm Measurement

A core component of the survey's examination of gambling consequences is the measurement of problem gambling prevalence rates. To achieve this, the Gambling Commission incorporates established screening instruments within the GSGB questionnaire. Among the tools used is the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a widely adopted international standard for assessing at-risk and problem gambling behaviours. The consistent use of the PGSI across all three years of the survey ensures that data on harm levels can be compared on a like-for-like basis over time, providing a clearer view of trends.

To further bolster the credibility and authority of the findings, the methodology underpinning the GSGB has been subjected to a full independent review. This external validation confirms that the survey's design, sampling, and analytical processes meet rigorous scientific standards. The entire research programme falls under the remit of the Commission's research and policy division, which is headed by Executive Director Tim Miller. The creation of this robust, multi-year evidence base is central to the Commission's strategy for data-led regulation and policy development.