A report by the UK Gambling Commission has shown that the population’s attitude towards gaming machines has become less favourable in the last few years.

UK attitude towards gambling ‘hardening’

The report showed that the proportion of people who believe that gamblers should be able to gamble whenever they want has dropped from 78 per cent in 2010 to 67 per cent in 2016.

Another important indicator of changing public opinion is the proportion of people who believe gambling is dangerous to family life. In 2010 this stood at 62 per cent, whereas by 2016 it had risen to 69 per cent.

Finally, the proportion of the population who believe that gambling should be discouraged has increased from 36 per cent in 2010 to 55 per cent in 2016.

Chairman William Moyes said: “We know that the majority of gamblers confine their losses to what they judge they can afford and regard the cost as a reasonable price to pay for the entertainment. For this group the key consideration is that gambling should be fair and free from the influence of crime.”

Sarah Harrison, the group’s chief executive, said there are 35 projects under way via the industry voluntary scheme which funds and commissions research on prevention and treatment.

“We welcome these initiatives but continue to press the industry to invest in the use of data and technology to empower consumers and reduce harm and to keep a continuous focus on ‘what works’,” she added.