UK Survey Reveals Escapism Now Trumps Financial Incentives for Gamblers
A new report from the UK Gambling Commission(UKGC) has uncovered a growing trend of individuals turning to gambling as a form of escapism. The research, which surveyed nearly 10,000 adults in Great Britain, was first published in July 2023 and provides a clearer picture of the motivations driving gambling behaviour.
According to this research, many gamblers are turning to betting as a way to disconnect from daily pressures and find a sense of relief rather than focusing solely on the hope of winning money. This shift reflects how gambling has become a form of entertainment and emotional escape, offering a break from routine stresses through engaging experiences.
While the desire for monetary rewards still exists, offers like UK no deposit bonus codes marketed through NoDepositFan.org continue to attract attention. These promotions appeal to new and seasoned players alike, but the growing emphasis on escapism shows how gambling habits are evolving beyond just the thrill of financial gain.
By analysing responses to the Reasons for Gambling Questionnaire (RGQ), the UKGC aims to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between various types of gambling and the underlying motivations, which we will explore in detail below.
Uncovering Gambling Motivations
There’s no straightforward answer to why people gamble, and the findings from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) reflect this complexity. The most common reason cited by 86% of participants was the desire to win big money, highlighting the financial appeal of gambling. For 70% of gamblers, fun was the primary motivator, underscoring that enjoyment is a key factor for many players. Other notable reasons included making money (58%) and seeking excitement (55%). Interestingly, social motivations also played a significant role, with 24% of respondents admitting to gambling as a way to socialise. A smaller group, 8%, gambled to impress others, while 9% did so to compete with fellow gamblers.
Age differences had a significant impact on the survey results, with younger age groups showing more distinct patterns. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, the fun aspect of gambling ranked higher than the desire to win big, with 83% of this group citing fun as their primary reason, compared to 79% who were motivated by the prospect of a large win.
Additionally, those who engaged in frequent gambling (at least once in the past four weeks) tended to focus more on the potential for financial gain. Among this group, 39% gambled to win big, 22% aimed to make money, and 15% did so for fun. These findings highlight how motivations can vary based on individual circumstances and demographics, shaping how and why people engage in gambling activities.
Analysing Gambling Behaviours
The UK survey utilised Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to categorise gambling behaviours into five key areas: social reasons, enhancement reasons, monetary reasons, recreational reasons, and coping reasons.
Enhancement Reasons
Enhancement was a major reason people turned to online betting, with many saying it helped lift their mood and made the experience more exciting. The rush of placing a bet and the anticipation of the outcome gave them a boost, turning gambling into an engaging and thrilling activity. For some, this thrill-seeking element helps break up the routine of everyday life, adding a spark of excitement to their day.
Coping Reasons
Another notable motivator was the need for escapism, which was particularly emphasised by participants who engaged in bingo, casino games, and slots—both online and in-person—as they sought a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For many, gambling serves as a temporary retreat from everyday stressors, offering a way to disconnect from financial worries, work pressures, or personal challenges.
Recreational Reasons
For those betting on sports and/or racing in person, the challenge of the activity was the strongest appeal. Many bettors are drawn to the strategic element of analysing odds, researching teams, and making calculated decisions in hopes of outsmarting bookmakers or other bettors. The thrill of predicting outcomes correctly and the sense of accomplishment that comes with a successful wager add an intellectual and competitive edge to the experience.
Social Reasons
It’s no secret that many individuals visit casinos for the social experience that gambling offers. This was supported by survey data, which revealed that people who gamble in physical settings, particularly in bingo halls and casinos, are more likely to do so for social reasons. These players often enjoy the interaction and sense of community that comes with being around others. However, only 24% of respondents cited socialising as their sole reason for gambling. In contrast, sports betting—especially online—showed no significant connection to social motivations.
Monetary Reasons
Interestingly, while money is often assumed to be the primary driver of gambling, the survey results suggest otherwise. Financial gain was not the leading motivator for most gambling activities, except for those related to the National Lottery. Products like lottery tickets, scratchcards, and online instant wins—known for their potential to yield large payouts—were the exceptions where financial incentives played a stronger role. This highlights that, for many, the social aspects of gambling—such as companionship, entertainment, and shared experiences—can be just as, if not more, important than the financial rewards.
