UK Gaming Commission Reports a 11% Increase in Gross Gaming Yield during Record Slot Earnings
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The UK online gambling market is experiencing a significant surge, with the online slots segment leading the charge. According to the UK Gambling Commission's latest market overview for the three months ending 30 September 2024, the total online Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) increased 11% year-over-year (YoY) to £1.32 billion ($1.71 billion).
One of the key drivers of this growth is the rise in online slots activity. The number of slots spins increased by 13% to 23.3 billion in the quarter, while the number of bets or spins reached 25.2 billion, the largest figure recorded in a quarter since data collection began. This increase in activity led to a record-high GGY for slots.
Interestingly, one operator's reclassification of products into the slots category contributed to this record-high data. Total sessions climbed 18% to 164.7 million, the highest in the dataset. Sessions over one hour represented about 6.1% of all play, a slight decrease from 6.6% in the same quarter last year.
Customer interactions rose 1% to 3 million, with most remaining automated. Direct interactions by operators saw a slight 1% YoY decrease. However, the number of online slots sessions lasting over an hour rose 9% YoY to 10 million.
While offline betting GGY fell 1% YoY to £533 million ($689 million) during the same period, online real event betting GGY rose 6% YoY, reaching £453 million ($587 million).
The online slots market's growth can be attributed to technological advancements such as mobile-first platforms, AI customization, and immersive experiences like virtual reality. Operators are increasingly leveraging these technologies to personalize offers, customize odds, and develop risk alerts, which improve engagement and retention in online slot gaming.
Prominent UK gambling operators emphasize fast withdrawals, large game selections, and novel features like weekly cashback (WinBooster) and jackpot systems that enhance the appeal of online slots and contribute substantially to GGY. While sports betting still competes in volume, online casino games (slots included) have a notable share of UK gambling activity and generate considerable revenue, supported by these technological and promotional advancements.
The overall online gambling market in Europe (including the UK) is rapidly growing, expected to reach USD 47.21 billion in 2025 and continue expanding at around 6.5% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) through 2030, driven by smartphone adoption, 5G rollout, and mobile-friendly gaming. This growth bolsters online slots revenue as mobile access increases.
In summary, the online slot segment in the UK is experiencing strong growth fueled by technological innovation, mobile access, personalized gaming experiences, and promotional offerings—all driving a sizeable proportion of the UK's Gross Gambling Yield from online gambling. This aligns with broader European market trends showing a robust rise in online gambling revenue led by mobile and technological enhancements.
[1] Europe Online Gambling Market Report 2022 [2] Online Casinos in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide [3] The Future of Online Gambling: Trends and Predictions [4] UK Gambling Commission Market Overview
- The surge in the UK online gambling market, particularly in the online slots segment, is attributed to the growth of mobile-first platforms, AI customization, and immersive experiences like virtual reality, which are commonly found in casino-and-gambling websites.
- Operators in the casino-games industry are capitalizing on this trend by offering fast withdrawals, large game selections, and novel features like weekly cashback (WinBooster) and jackpot systems, making online slots a significant contributor to the Gross Gambling Yield in the casino-gaming market.
