Cost of Living Crisis Sees Spike in Demand for Free Bets
Free Bets, an online resource for the comparison of safe free bets and gambling promotions, has reported a significant hike in the number of bettors seeking free betting sessions and casino bonuses.
"We have seen a direct correlation between the rising cost of living and the increase in demand for online gambling promotions. While this is great for a struggling gambling industry due to the impacts of the pandemic, it is important that operators and affiliates are actively encouraging safe gambling to prevent rising levels of gambling-related harm" comments a spokesperson for the business.
Michael Dugher of The Betting and Gaming Council has called for government action to address this:
"If urgent action isn’t taken soon, continued energy price increases could have a catastrophic impact across the hospitality and leisure sector, including hitting our members."
Research suggests that women, in particular. One in every ten women who gamble has already admitted to using gambling to supplement their household income as prices rise, with one in every five experiencing health issues such as stress and anxiety.
“This new research raises serious concerns over the potential growth in the scale of gambling harm over the coming months. With such a stark warning sign, it is vital we help ensure more women are aware of the risks of gambling,” explains Zoë Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware.
“As financial hardships accelerate amid the cost-of-living crisis, and the number of women gambling online increases, we are concerned it is creating a perfect storm, which may lead to a rise in the number of women experiencing gambling harm”, she continued.
Freebets.ltd.uk, a brand that is actively mapping this change in behaviour amongst gamblers, is encouraging businesses in the space to shine the spotlight on safe gambling strategies during the current economic climate, believing operators and affiliates have a responsibility to look out for the wellbeing of their customers.