A new survey commissioned by Yaspa during Safer Gambling Week indicates that a majority of bettors believe support for individuals with gambling concerns has improved. The research, which focused on respondents who had placed at least one bet in the past year, found that 72 percent perceive more support to be available compared with previous years.
According to the findings, confidence levels were highest among frequent bettors, including those engaged with esports, boxing, tennis and football, where between 77 and 80 percent reported improvements. This contrasts with the broader UK population, among whom 61 percent shared the same view. Among non-bettors, only half believed support mechanisms had increased, suggesting a divide in perceptions between those within and outside the betting environment.
The survey also highlighted variation across demographic groups. Respondents aged 35 to 44 expressed the highest confidence at 69 percent, while 18 to 24-year-olds registered 55 percent. Sixty-five percent of male respondents believed support had improved, compared with 56 percent of female respondents.
Yaspa stated that while improved perception of support is a positive indicator, future progress in player protection may depend on enhanced affordability assessments. The company pointed to open banking technology, such as its Intelligent Payments solution, as a way for operators in the igaming sector to access verified financial data in real time with customer consent. Yaspa said this could help provide more accurate affordability checks, streamline onboarding and reduce reliance on self-reported information while maintaining consumer protection.
Renuka Rawlings, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Yaspa, said: “It’s encouraging that a majority of Brits, and particularly active bettors, feel that support for gambling issues has improved. This positive sentiment, especially during Safer Gambling Week, shows the industry’s efforts are being recognised.
“However, perception of support is only part of the puzzle. The real challenge is in prevention. The industry must now leverage technology to build a more robust, preventative framework. We believe open banking is the key. It allows operators to move from reactive support to proactive safety, using real-time, consented data to ensure affordability and protect customers before they are at risk. It’s about creating a transparent, secure, and genuinely safer environment for everyone.”
