Have you ever wondered how your gambling habits stack up against other UK casino players? Are you splashing more on bets or saving your leisure budget for takeaways and Netflix marathons?
Thanks to fresh data from the Department of Trust (DoT), we now have a clearer picture of where gambling fits into the spending habits of UK punters.
So, how do you compare?
Where Does Gambling Rank in the Average Gambler’s Budget?
For the average UK gambler, gambling makes up 10.69% of their monthly leisure spending — around £41.34. That’s solidly in fifth place, behind some other popular indulgences.
Here’s how the average leisure budget looks:
- Entertainment subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.): £47.53/month
- Dining out or grabbing drinks: £45.67/month
- Holiday expenses (because who doesn’t love a getaway?): £45.14/month
- Food delivery (hello, McDonald’s): £43.97/month
- Gambling: £41.34/month
So, you’re not alone if you’re spending more on Uber Eats than on bets. This data shows that for most gamblers, betting is just one of many ways to have fun—not the main focus.
The Big Spenders: Are You a High-Value Gambler?
What if your gambling budget is a bit bigger? High-value gamblers—those who deposit over £150 a month—spend an average of £191 on gambling each month. That’s a whopping 42.15% of their total leisure budget.
But here’s the kicker: high rollers aren’t just gambling machines. They still spend on leisure activities like food delivery (£36.52/month) and entertainment subscriptions (£35/month), just slightly less than the average gambler.
If you’re in this category, you’re likely spending around £452.38 on leisure every month, 17% higher than the average gambler.
You are also likely to earn more than the national average. If you’re in that category, call us. We are available for dates and nights out.
How Does Your Spending Compare?
Do you spend more on food delivery than gambling? You’re in good company—most UK gamblers prioritize takeaways, TV subscriptions, and holidays over placing bets.
Even if you’re a high-value gambler, there’s a good chance you’re enjoying other activities alongside your gambling.
Here’s a quick quiz:
- Are you spending around £41/month on gambling? You’re an average gambler.
- Is your gambling budget closer to £191/month? You might be a high-value gambler.
- Do you spend more on McDonald’s than on a punt? Then you’re like 87% of UK gamblers who regularly indulge in fast food.
Of course, we are a little suspicious of the last one. We don’t want to make assumptions, but we’d assume that 87% of the British population ends up in McDonald’s at some point over the month.
Hey, you try to get the little blighters to eat anything else but chicken nuggets. Don’t judge us; we ain’t judging you.
Related: Reputable Gambling Organisations You Can Turn To If You Need Support
Gambling Isn’t Taking Over
One of the most interesting insights from the DoT data is that gambling isn’t taking over leisure budgets. In fact, it sits comfortably alongside other activities.
Charles Cohen, CEO of the Department of Trust, puts it best: “Stay-at-home fun, such as Netflix, food delivery, and betting online, is only about a third of leisure spending. The rest is spent on going out or going away.”
This means most gamblers are balancing their budgets across a variety of activities—betting is part of the mix but not the star of the show.
This is reassuring for those of us constantly shouting out the benefits of responsible gambling as part of the entertainment mix.
Related: What 2025 Casino Players Can Expect: A Look at the Year Ahead
Final Thoughts: Where Do You Fit?
So, how do your habits compare? Are you sticking to the average or leaning more towards high-roller territory? The data shows that most UK gamblers find a healthy balance between betting and other fun activities.
If you’re ever curious about your spending, think of it like a leaderboard—how do you rank against the average player?
And remember, the best strategy is always to gamble responsibly and leave room in your budget for the other things you love.
Life’s a game; play it your way!
