The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has revealed that the National Lottery remains the most popular gambling activity in the region, with ticket sales for draws almost treble any other form of gambling in the UK.
In its latest gambling participation survey for the three months through to March 31 this year, the UKGC found that 51% of respondents had partaken in some form of gambling activity in the period, down from 56% in the previous year.
Ticket sales for the National Lottery led with 36% of the market share during the first quarter.
Although this is some way ahead of other forms of gambling, it is lower than the 41% of the market it held in the same period last year and the 47% it boasted in the first quarter of 2013.
Other lotteries were the second most popular gambling activity in the opening period of this year with 13% of the market, while scratchcards followed in third place with 9%.
Online gambling and betting activity remained relatively flat at 15% and 3% respectively.
Meanwhile, the UKGC has provided an update to consumers in the market that have been impacted by the ongoing issues with 666Bet and Metroplay.
Both Metroplay and 666Bet customers now have access to the websites and can request a withdrawal by opening an account with payment processor Skrill.
However, the UKGC noted that those customers that have pending withdrawals are continuing to encounter problems with the process.
Metro Play, the holding company for both brands, has informed the UKGC that it is working on a solution for this and has again encouraged customers to open an account with Skrill to help speed up the process.
The UKGC has also noted communication with 666Bet and Metroplay is limited to social media outlets, with both brands not responding to emails.
“We continue to liaise with Metroplay and others involved to facilitate repayment and keeping customers informed,” the UKGC said.
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
