Top 10 Reasons Brit Men and Women Gamble Online
We looked up a research report by Statista from March 2021 to understand why punters in Great Britain gamble online. The findings revealed the following key reasons:
Fun Thing to Do
The majority of respondents, both men and women, highlighted that the main reason for gambling online is the sheer enjoyment it brings. With 48% of men and 40% of women expressing that it is a ‘fun thing to do,’ the entertainment factor plays a crucial role in the popularity of online gambling.
Fantasizing About Winning
For many Brits, online gambling serves as a platform to indulge in the thrill of imagining about winning. This aspect of fantasy is a significant motivator, with respondents expressing a desire to experience the excitement and anticipation associated with winning. Interestingly, more women (28%) subscribe to this fantasy than men (21%).
Playing to Win Big
A portion of the surveyed population engages in online gambling with the ultimate goal of winning substantial prizes. Of them, 19% are men and 17% women. The prospect of hitting it big serves as a powerful incentive, driving them to try their luck in various online gambling games and betting activities.
Enhancing Betting Experience
For 20% of men and 7% of women, online gambling, especially sports betting isn't just about winning; it's also about experiencing something extra. For instance, some Brits get a kick out of watching a sports match whilst betting on it.
That’s a heightened experience for them. The greater inclination of men towards this phenomenon may stem from the years of hardwiring that sports remains predominantly associated with males.
Socializing
Gambling online provides an avenue for social interaction. The survey reveals that 11% of men and 6% of women in Great Britain see it as a conversation starter; it gives them something to talk about with friends, family, or colleagues who share similar interests.
The lower percentage of women could be because men are more likely to brag than women. Significant research has been conducted in this regard by Dr. Jessi L. Smith, Professor of Psychology and Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Part of Routine Life
For some, online gambling has become a part of their routine. This is true of 6% women and 10% men. Whether it's a quick session during breaks or a regular evening activity, the convenience of online platforms allows individuals to seamlessly incorporate gambling into their daily lives.
We would mention that the ease of payment also contributes to this significantly. With more and more fast-paying casinos (Top ones listed here) coming up, it’s easier and quicker than ever to get to your winnings. As a result, you keep coming back.
Demonstrating Skill
The desire to showcase skill is another noteworthy motivator for online gambling. Of the surveyed participants, 1% of women and 6% of men see it as an opportunity to show off their gambling prowess in various games and betting scenarios. Yet again, the percentage of women is lower because men are more likely to brag.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
The fear of missing out, or FOMO as we popularly call it, impacts Great Britain's online gamblers, too, driving them to engage in staking money on various gambling sites. Much of it can stem from boredom, loneliness and a sense of relative deprivation leading to anxiety.
The result is an urge to be part of the herd. The report reveals that 4% of women and 3% of men gamble online because they experience FOMO. Also, the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of online gambling creates a sense of urgency, prompting them to participate to avoid missing exciting opportunities.
Reliable Way to Make Money
Of the respondents, 1% of women and 4% of men see online gambling as a reliable way to make money. While this perception may vary in terms of actual outcomes, the belief in the potential for financial gains serves as a motivation for both genders.
The lower percentage of females could be because women in general are less willing to take risks than men. The same has been established by researcher Dr. Chris Dawson, Associate Professor in Business Economics at the University of Bath School of Management in his study ‘Gender differences in optimism, loss aversion and attitudes toward risk’ published in the British Journal of Psychology.
Being Part of an Online Community
While not as common as other reasons, being part of an online community is a motivating factor for 1% of women and 2% of men who gamble online.
In contemporary contexts, this sense of community has been notably amplified in real money games such as Aviator and other similar crash games, where dedicated chatrooms let like-minded individuals exchange experiences, tips, and insights.
Wrap-Up
The top reasons Brits engage in online gambling are diverse and multifaceted, reflecting a complex interplay of entertainment, social, and financial motivations. Apart from these, there are other reasons at play, driving 3% of women and 7% of men.
As the online gambling landscape continues to evolve, understanding these factors becomes crucial for operators, policymakers, and the general public.
The findings from the March 2021 survey published in Statista offer a valuable snapshot of the motivations that drive Brits to participate in online gambling, providing a solid foundation for continued exploration and analysis in this dynamic industry.
