In the second quarter (Q2) of the year, the online gambling industry experienced a slight decline in its Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) compared to the previous quarter.
Overall Online Gambling Performance:
During Q2, the online gambling sector reported a GGY of £1.2 billion ($1.44 billion), representing a 4% decrease from the preceding quarter. Additionally, the total number of bets and/or spins decreased by 1% during this period. The average monthly active accounts saw a significant decline of 9%, suggesting a shift in user behavior or external influences affecting customer engagement.
Slots Performance:
a. Slots GGY: The GGY for online slots experienced a slight decline of 3% to £548 million in Q2 compared to Q1.
b. Number of Spins: The number of spins also decreased by 2% to 18.5 billion, indicating a modest reduction in user activity.
c. Average Monthly Active Accounts: The average monthly active accounts for online slots declined by 4%, reaching 3.4 million per month. This decrease might be attributed to various factors, including economic conditions or changing user preferences.
Online Slots Sessions:
a. Session Duration: The number of online slots sessions lasting longer than one hour remained stable at 8.4 million. This suggests that a segment of users remains highly engaged in prolonged gameplay.
b. Average Session Length: The average session length for online slots was recorded at 17 minutes. Notably, approximately 7% of all sessions lasted longer than one hour, indicating a dedicated user base.
Licensed Betting Operator (LBO) Performance:
LBO GGY experienced a significant decline of 8% to £540 million between Q1 and Q2. The total number of bets and spins also decreased by 5% to 3.2 billion, reflecting a decline in user participation and engagement.
Consumer Vulnerability and Operator Responsibility:
The Gambling Commission emphasizes the need for operators to exercise extra vigilance and maintain responsible practices during the current economic climate. The Commission recognizes that consumers may face uncertainties regarding their personal and financial circumstances, requiring operators to be proactive in safeguarding their well-being.
a. Strengthened Guidance: Operators are expected to follow the reinforced guidance from 2020, prioritizing consumer protection and responsible gambling practices.
b. Direct Interaction: Operators should directly interact with customers when specific triggers are reached, demonstrating care and providing necessary support.
c. Avoiding Exploitation: The Commission urges operators to refrain from exploiting the current situation for marketing purposes, demonstrating ethical conduct and sensitivity to customers’ circumstances.
d. Onboarding and Affordability Checks: Operators should exercise caution when onboarding new customers and making affordability decisions, taking into account the current environment and potential vulnerabilities.
The online gambling industry experienced a decline in GGY during Q2, accompanied by reduced user engagement. The performance of online slots and licensed betting operators both contributed to the overall decrease in GGY and user activity. To ensure the well-being of customers, the Gambling Commission stresses the importance of operators adhering to responsible gambling guidelines, interacting with users when necessary, and demonstrating ethical practices. By prioritizing consumer protection, the industry can mitigate potential risks and maintain a sustainable and responsible gambling environment.