Figures from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) have revealed that gross gambling yield (GGY) for online gambling in the UK rose by 29% month-on-month in October. 

Real-event betting was a significant contributor to the above statistic, with active accounts also rising. 

Online slots GGY also rose over the course of the month. 

Bizarre sporting results contribute to operator GGY growth 

Both active player accounts and bet volumes rose in October, but the UKGC also pointed to unpredictable sporting outcomes as playing a role in higher GGY. These include Aston Villa’s 7-2 win against Liverpool, as well as Tottenham’s 6-1 triumph against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

GGY in online betting for real events reached £290 million by the end of the month, which was 53% higher than had been the case in September. 

The average amount each customer lost on bets also surpassed slots for the first time. A 43% jump was the result of each player losing an average of £62.82. 

Online slots GGY also goes up 

Online slots GGY has, according to the Commission, risen to “a figure which is slightly higher than the pandemic average”. GGY reached £172.5 million in October, which was 10% higher than in September. 

Betting numbers also increased, with the £5.1 billion total signifying a rise of 8%. There was also an 8% rise in player accounts, with around 2.8 million active users now playing in the UK. This represents the highest figure of the pandemic. 

There was also a 12% increase in slots sessions, though the governing body noted that average spins per session was on the way down. 

Length of sessions hasn’t jumped drastically 

Despite the rise in sessions online, average sessions continue to hover around the 21-minute mark. Only 8% of sessions lasted for more than an hour in October. 

While sessions lasting over an hour rose to 2.2 million (+12%), this was not disproportionate to the increase in overall sessions. 

Operators reminded to protect vulnerable individuals 

In its market overview, the UKGC said: 

“This (the data) highlights the importance of our recent letter to online operators reminding them that people across the country are now facing restrictions that are likely to mean they are spending more time at home and some people may be feeling vulnerable as a result of the restrictions and uncertainty about their personal, employment or financial circumstances. 

“We will also continue to collect and monitor the data to inform our views of risk, and if these changes appear to be more than short-term fluctuations, we will not hesitate to take further action.”