The UK Gambling Commission's latest report reveals a robust 12% increase in online gross gambling yield (GGY) which includes all forms of internet-based gambling such as casino sites for Q1 24-25 (April-June 2024), reaching £1.46 billion.
This growth marks the second consecutive quarter of unprecedented betting volumes, highlighting a buoyant online gambling landscape.
The report also notes an increase in online slots sessions lasting over an hour, up by 8% to 9.6 million. The average session duration held steady at 17 minutes, with about 6% of all sessions exceeding one hour.
The new Labour government has appointed Baroness Fiona Twycross as the UK’s first minister for gambling, within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. This strategic move underscores a commitment to manage and regulate the gambling sector's growth effectively.
Baroness Twycross will report directly to Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport. The DCMS ministerial team also includes Sir Chris Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts, and Tourism, and Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society, and Youth. This team will navigate the burgeoning gambling landscape.
In her new role, Twycross expressed excitement about her appointment on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
Her proactive stance suggests a collaborative approach to maximising the sector's potential while enforcing regulations to protect consumers.
Overall, the 12% increase in online GGY not only showcases a thriving online gambling environment but also sets the stage for further industry evolution under enhanced regulatory oversight.
Most of my career was spent in teaching including at one of the UK’s top private schools. I left London in 2000 and set up home in Wales raising four beautiful children. I enrolled at University where I studied Photography and film and gained a Degree and subsequently a Masters Degree. In 2014 I helped launch a new local newspaper and managed to get front and back page as well as 6 filler pages on a weekly basis. I saw that journalism was changing and was a pioneer of hyperlocal news in Wales. In 2017 I started one of the first 24/7 free independent news sites for Wales. Having taken that to a successful business model I was keen for a new challenge. Joining the company is exciting for me especially as it is a new role in Europe. I am keen to establish myself and help others to do the same.
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