A recent report by the UK Gambling Commission indicates that casino gaming in the United Kingdom is more popular than ever. General UK gambling revenues increased by 17 percent in 2014, and the overall gambling market is expected to continue to expand for the foreseeable future. According to the Gambling Commission, casino gaming is responsible for a large part of this dramatic growth.
In England alone, there are roughly 100 casino facilities currently in operation. Citizens and tourists can also visit casinos in Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. In short, the casino industry in the UK is booming, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. In 2014, plans went forward to develop new luxury casino and entertainment complexes in Bath, Somerset, and Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire.
Although traditional casinos continue to enjoy wide popularity, much of the recent surge in industry profits can be attributed to a substantial rise in online casino gambling. Currently producing annual revenues in excess of 25.4 billion pounds, online casino operators account for a full 30 percent of the total gambling market.
As the general population becomes more and more comfortable conducting important monetary transactions in cyberspace, major casino sites such as Betsson UK continue to gain widespread acceptance. Four times each year, the Gambling Commission conducts a survey of more than 4,000 residents whose demographics roughly approximate the United Kingdom as a whole. In recent years, bingo, lottery draws, sports wagers, and traditional casino gambling have dominated the survey as the most popular form of gambling in the UK. However, the most recent survey has revealed a surprising new trend. Among survey-takers who regularly gamble two or more days each week, online casino gaming ties for first place alongside in-person virtual dog or horse racing.
Together, online and land-based casino betting is fueling the future of the UK gambling market. Industry experts predict that the popularity of casino games of all types will climb by 33 percent in the coming year.
