As the world continues to face unprecedented times brought about by COVID-19, individuals are increasingly seeking alternative sources of entertainment, one of which is online gambling. The rise in popularity of online gambling can be attributed to many factors, such as accessibility, convenience, and safety. In this article, we explore the latest trends and preferences among online gamblers in the UK and Canada based on a recent survey conducted by Minimum Deposit Casinos.
1. Introduction to Gambling: Friends Bring Friends
Curiosity sparks interest. Interest leads to action. And for most respondents in both countries surveyed (100 respondents said they are invited by their friends), their first contact with gambling was through recommendations made by friends or family members. The second-most reported source was online ads (around 55 respondents), followed closely by their parents (around 20 respondents). A small percentage cited attending TV ads and physical building as their way into gambling.
2. Age at which Respondents Started Gambling: Slightly Younger in the UK
Although there isn’t a significant disparity between the average age at which respondents started gambling across both countries surveyed, it appears that those who hail from across the pond started slightly earlier than their Canadian counterparts age-wise. On average, UK respondents started at 24 years old, while Canadians kicked off their gambling experience under 26 years old.
3. Most Popular Forms of Gambling: Sports Betting Takes the Lead
Sports betting and online slots took the top spots as the most popular forms of gambling among both UK and Canadian respondents. Other games that were also popular included table games, poker, bingo, and lotteries. Interestingly, more UK respondents preferred bingo compared to their Canadian counterparts, who had a stronger preference for lotteries.
4. Number of Different Websites or Betting Providers Used: Less is More
While it’s common to assume that frequent online gamblers would use multiple websites or betting providers to increase their chances of winning big bucks, this survey showed otherwise. About half of the respondents from both countries (69 respondents in Canada and 56 respondents in the UK) reported trying only one to three different websites or providers in the past.
5. Biggest Win Reported: Limited Wins
Although it is natural for people to dream big about winning huge amounts while gambling, only a minority actually do so; most respondents in both countries had won under £1,500 or $1,500, respectively.
6. Introverted Vs. Extroverted: A Misconception about Risk-Taking Behaviors?
Contrary to the common belief that extroverts are more likely than introverts to take risks like gambling, this survey’s results proved otherwise. In fact, most online gamblers in both countries identified themselves as introverted (140 respondents said they are introverted while around 80 respondents said they are extroverted).
7. Social Activities Engaged In Getting Outdoors with Friends is Key
Just because someone loves online gambling doesn’t mean they always want to stay indoors! The survey found that dining out with friends or family members was a popular social activity enjoyed by many online gamblers across both countries surveyed. Participating in sports or fitness activities was another preferred form of entertainment outside of gambling engagement.
8. Attitudes towards Regulations: Slightly Favoring More Casino Regulations
In terms of regulations governing online casinos within each country, respondents favored more oversight. While the majority in both countries leaned toward more regulations, this sentiment was stronger among Canadian respondents.
9. Political Leanings: Left of Center
Regardless of country or gender, both groups identified as slightly leaning left-of-center, politically.
10. Most Gambled-On Holiday: A Surprising Finding!
Christmas turned out to be the most gambled-on holiday for respondents from both countries surveyed! Interestingly enough, Boxing Day also proved popular among UK respondents.
11. Demographics: Male-dominated and Middle-Aged
Lastly, when it comes to the overall demographics of online gamblers in these two specific regions during the time period surveyed (2021-2022), we see that the majority were male and aged 30-44.
The Takeaway
As with any research or survey findings interpretation like this one conducted by Minimum Deposit Casinos on online gambling in the UK and Canada, keep in mind the data reflects a moment-in-time snapshot. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed social habits, including how we seek entertainment options. Hopefully, our review has provided some eye-opening intel for those looking for insights about how others gamble online across geographies. Keep calm and gamble responsibly!
Charisse is a content contributor for Kika Casino. With a passion for audience experience and a focus on reliability, Charisse delivers fact-checked articles covering industry news and gaming tips.