UKGC: No Analysis of Alcohol Data from Gambling Survey
Regulator confirms it has not produced reports on alcohol consumption data collected in its flagship survey, despite making the raw data public.
The UK Gambling Commission has not yet analysed data on alcohol consumption it collects as part of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain. A Freedom of Information response confirms that while the data is gathered, no internal reports on the link between alcohol and gambling have been produced by the regulator.
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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has not conducted any analysis or produced any reports on the alcohol consumption data it gathers as part of its main national gambling survey. This was confirmed in a Freedom of Information (FOI) response dated 5 March 2025.
The disclosure reveals a gap in the regulator's current analytical output concerning the potential links between alcohol use and gambling behaviours in Great Britain.
The Request and The Response
A request was made to the UKGC for copies of "reports, memoranda and correspondence related to AUDIT-C scores from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB)."
The AUDIT-C is a widely used screening tool designed to identify individuals who are hazardous drinkers or have active alcohol use disorders. These questions are included in the GSGB to gather data on alcohol consumption alongside gambling habits.
In its official response, the Commission stated that "no information is held falling within the scope of your request." It clarified the reason for this, explaining: "The Commission has not yet written any reports or completed any analysis of the data that has been collected."
Why This Data Matters
The relationship between alcohol consumption and gambling is a key area of focus for player protection. Alcohol can impair judgment and lower inhibitions, potentially leading to increased risk-taking, longer play sessions, or higher spending than intended. Understanding the prevalence of risky drinking among gamblers can help shape more effective safer gambling policies and operator responsibilities.
While the regulator has not yet published its own findings, it has made the raw data available to the public. The UKGC's response directed the requester to the UK Data Service, where the full, anonymised GSGB dataset is published. This allows independent academics, charities, and data analysts to conduct their own research into the correlation between AUDIT-C scores and gambling patterns.
Significance for Consumers and Industry
The FOI response highlights that while the UKGC is collecting data on this important comorbidity, it has not yet translated it into official reports or insights. This means that any regulatory guidance or policy decisions based on the latest GSGB data do not yet incorporate a specific analysis of alcohol's role.
For consumers, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of their own alcohol consumption when choosing to gamble. The availability of the raw data promotes transparency and empowers third-party organisations to undertake research that can ultimately contribute to a better understanding of gambling-related harm and the development of future consumer protection measures.