The UK Gambling Commission is taking into consideration different factors that may have been the cause for the increased gambling in the last few months under the global pandemic. Between March and September, about 46% of the population has reported an increase in stress levels. Meanwhile, during the same months, around 43% of the population experienced more boredom.

Research showed that during the pandemic, gamblers could experience the same increase in stress like people who do not gamble. This is why stress cannot be pointed as a definite factor that contributed to the increase in gambling during the past few months. The Gambling Commission, however, reported that most people resorted to gambling during the months between March and September as they had more free time.

About 119 people of the age of 16 and older participated in the research and about 39% of them attributed the increase of gambling to boredom and 45% to having more free time. Meanwhile, 32% shared that they engaged in gambling activities during the lockdown period as they had nothing else to do.

The UK Gambling Commission promised to continue monitoring the gambling activity during the pandemic. This will include all of the factors that may lead to concerning levels of increased gambling, with the strict authority getting prepared to take actions if needed.

As many find playing games as a good way to cope with boredom during the last few months, the government also noted that there was a serious increase in spending money on loot boxes. As people had more time during the lockdown weeks, players spent a lot of money for the chance of unlocking exclusive items that will help them in their favourite games.