Online gambling on a high in lockdown phase: Study

Respondents who gambled occasionally were still found to be more than twice as likely than before to gamble online. Those who struggled financially before the pandemic were more likely to report gambling during lockdown. 

“This study provides unique real time insights into how people’s attitudes and gambling behaviour changed during lockdown, when everyone was stuck inside and unable to participate in most social activities, said lead author Alan Emond, Professor at the varsity’s Medical School. 

“The findings reveal that although many forms of gambling were restricted, a minority of regular gamblers significantly increased their gambling and betting online. As with so many repercussions of the pandemic, inequalities have been exacerbated and particularly vulnerable groups were worse affected,” Emond added. 

For the study, published in the Journal of Gambling Studies, over 2,600 adults responded. Results revealed during lockdown men were three times more likely than women to gamble regularly, defined as more than once a week.