Recently the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) revealed the figures for last year’s revenue. The report covered numbers until September 2018. And surprisingly, betting shops are showing a drop. In fact, this is the first time the generated gross gambling yield (GGY) reports shows a decline in this sector since the report are available to the public.
But apparently, online source and all its vertical are still strong. In fact, online revenues top the charts in all its form. So on that bombshell, let’s explore the top dogs and what brought the shops down.
Rank by GGY
All and all, the GGY report covered several areas. As you’ll read below, online revenues delivered the best performances. And consequently, brought the most tax money too. Online gambling yielded a massive £5.63 Billion in revenue. Which, in essence, contributed towards 38.8% of the figures. It’s also worth pointing out that video slots contributed towards £3 Billion of the reported numbers. They were closely followed by sports betting, with £2.1 Billion. In third and fourth places there’s exchange betting that took £343 Million, and Bingo which delivered revenue of £177.6 Million.
The land-based bookmakers still managed to bring impressive figures last year too. Even if they were no match for the online gambling sector. They still racked up £3.2 Billion. It’s estimated that gaming machines contributed the most at £1.83 Billion. But these figures will further decrease next year since the fixed-odds betting terminals restriction are in place.
Not just scraps left
The online gambling sector and land-based bookmakers indeed take the pole position in this report. Yet, Brick and mortar casinos still bring in impressive figures at £859 Million. And Bingo Hall and Remote virtual betting are trending behind at £355.3 Million, and £81.8 Million respectively.
Now, what is this telling us? Well, despite the increase in restrictions and regulation, The UKGC throw at online gambling and the players. It seems that the market is showing no sign of slowing down. So Briton loves to gamble. And with the increasing awareness in responsible gambling, the UKGC is enforcing. They’re doing it more responsibly too.