New research commissioned by Entain has found that more than half respondents (55 per cent) regard betting and gaming as a social activity.
The study, conducted by CT Group, was conducted among a pool of 2,000 people who enjoy placing a bet on something other than National Lottery at least once a month.
More than nine in ten British adults (94 per cent) who bet at least once a month believe they should be free to decide for themselves how to spend their spare time and money, which represents an increase from 79 per cent in December 2020.
It is added that 78 per cent of respondents place a bet at least once a week, and typically spend around roughly half what they might spend each week in bars, pubs and restaurants.
Over 90 per cent of those who enjoy betting see themselves as sports fans and 83 per cent like to bet on the outcomes, with around half in favour of the industry supporting grassroots and lower league clubs.
The survey, which comes as changes to betting laws are considered by the government through the Gambling Act review, “reinforces that betting is a social activity that the vast majority of people enjoy safely and responsibly,” says the global operator.
The key findings add that almost two-thirds (58 per cent) of those who enjoy betting see themselves as savers, with 84 per cent having a savings account. Around four in ten (38 per cent) said they actively enjoy spending money.
Entain added on the findings: “In every aspect of life and leisure, respondents report increased online activity during the pandemic, led by banking and shopping.
“Although across all areas people expect their online activities to fall as restrictions ease, they expect to continue betting, shopping and streaming digital entertainment online even after the pandemic is over.”
