The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published its latest industry statistics, highlighting a 7% year-on-year increase in gross gambling yield (GGY) from the online sector during the first quarter of 2025. Online gambling revenue rose to £1.45 billion, underscoring the sector's resilience amid regulatory shifts and heightened market competition.
Performance Snapshot: Online Gambling in Q1 2025
Between January and March 2025, the UK's online gambling market continued its upward trajectory. Drawing on data from approximately 80% of licensed operators, the UKGC reported robust activity across digital platforms, even as the industry navigates changing regulatory dynamics.
Key Figures:
- Online GGY: £1.45 billion, rising from £1.3 billion in Q1 2024
- Retail GGY: £554 million, marking a 3% decline year-on-year
- Online Betting Activity: Total bets placed online declined marginally by 1%
One of the significant contributors to this quarter's online betting revenue was the Cheltenham Festival, a major event in the UK sports calendar. The festival produced favorable results for bookmakers, significantly boosting online GGY.
Shift in Consumer Behavior
The data reflects a continued shift in consumer preference from physical retail outlets to online gambling platforms. This change is evident in the decline of retail betting revenue and activity:
Decline in GGY: Decreased by 3% to £554 million
Decline in Bets and Spins: Dropped by 5%, totaling 3.1 billion
Growth in Online Slots
Among various online gambling segments, online slots saw the most significant growth. The GGY for online slots increased by 11% year-on-year, reaching £689 million.
Total Spins: Increased by 6%, reaching 23.4 billion
Monthly Active Accounts: Grew by 6% to an average of 4.5 million, setting a new record
These figures suggest a strong and growing demand for online gambling options, with digital engagement levels reaching new highs across multiple indicators.
Source:
https://sbcnews.co.uk/featurednews/2025/05/07/ukgc-gaming-yield-growth/
https://igamingpost.com/ukgc-reports-7-growth-in-online-gambling-yield-for-q1-2025/
