UKGC Reveals Access to Raw Gambling Survey Data
FOI response directs researchers to detailed micro-data on gambling habits, motivations, and demographics held in the UK Data Archive.
A Freedom of Information request has clarified how the public and researchers can access detailed, individual-level data from the UK Gambling Commission's surveys. The response directs users to the UK Data Archive, confirming that raw data on gambling motivations, spending, and demographics is made available for in-depth analysis.
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A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed the process for accessing detailed, individual-level data from the UK Gambling Commission's (UKGC) key public surveys.
In a response dated 7 March 2023, the regulator confirmed that the raw data underpinning its summary reports is made available to the public and researchers, providing a vital resource for understanding gambling behaviours across the UK.
Why This Data Matters
The UKGC regularly publishes high-level statistics on gambling participation, problem gambling rates, and consumer attitudes. While useful, these summaries often group large populations together. The availability of anonymised 'micro-data'—the individual, non-identifiable responses to survey questions—allows for much deeper analysis.
Researchers and consumer protection groups can use this data to investigate complex relationships between factors like age, gender, income, and specific gambling motivations (e.g., social, financial). This level of detail is crucial for developing targeted, evidence-based policies and identifying emerging trends in gambling harm.
Details of the FOI Request
The request was submitted by a researcher seeking to understand the "gender gap in risk-loving behaviour in gambling." To do this, they asked for access to the micro-data from UKGC surveys, which includes questions on:
- Motivations for gambling: Financial, social, or mental reasons.
- Demographics: Income, gender, and age.
- Behaviour: Spending habits (daily, weekly, or yearly).
The researcher noted that the data publicly available on the UKGC website at the time consisted only of summaries.
The Commission's Response
The UKGC provided a two-part response, effectively signposting where the detailed data could be found rather than providing it directly through the FOI process.
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Quarterly Telephone Survey: The Commission withheld the raw data for its most recent quarterly survey, citing Section 22 of the FOIA, which exempts information intended for future publication. It stated the data was scheduled for release in the UK Data Archive in May 2023. The regulator argued that fulfilling the request ahead of schedule was not a cost-effective use of resources when a formal publication process was already underway.
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Young People and Gambling Survey: For this dataset, the UKGC cited Section 21 of the FOIA, which exempts information that is already reasonably accessible elsewhere. It confirmed the raw data is available for public access via the UK Data Service archive and provided a direct link.
Significance for Consumers and Researchers
While the request was partially refused on technical grounds, the UKGC's response serves as a confirmation of its commitment to data transparency. It clarifies that the detailed, anonymised data required for in-depth academic and policy research is not withheld but is made available through official channels like the UK Data Archive.
This ensures that independent analysis of gambling trends and harms can continue, providing a foundation for robust consumer protection measures and a more nuanced understanding of why and how people in the UK gamble.