NHS England has reported that problem gambling rates in England remain just under 1% of the adult population, with around 5% classified as “at risk”, according to its latest annual health survey.

The findings suggest that gambling-related harm has remained broadly stable. However, they diverge sharply from estimates published by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which place the rate at 2.7%.

The gap between the two figures has renewed debate across the gambling sector over how harm should be measured, particularly as responsibility for prevention and treatment continues to shift toward the health system.

For operators, suppliers and policymakers, the lack of a single benchmark complicates efforts to assess risk, evaluate regulatory impact and communicate clearly with the public.

The issue was discussed on a recent episode of the iGaming Daily podcast, where host Fernando Noodt was joined by SBC News Editor, Ted Orme-Claye, and Editor-at-Large, Ted Menmuir. The three argued that the conflicting results reflect methodological differences rather than changes in player behaviour.

The NHS survey applies a population health framework, measuring gambling alongside behaviours such as smoking and obesity. By contrast, the UKGC’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain is designed as a regulatory tool, with a narrower focus on gambling activity and self-reported harm.

Claye warned that the lack of alignment risks confusing the public and weakening confidence in official data.

“Perhaps the Commission and the NHS could come up with a way to standardise this a bit better so we have a more decisive conclusion about what the problem gambling rate actually is,” he said.

“Because among the Joe public, they might look at this and think, ‘well, how come I’m seeing two different calculations of problem gambling?’ without having the opportunity, time or inclination to dig into the methodological detail behind it.”

Beyond the national headline figures, the NHS data also pointed to clear regional disparities. Higher rates of problem gambling were recorded in the North East and Yorkshire, areas that also experience higher levels of social deprivation. The findings support a shift toward more localised treatment and prevention strategies, rather than reliance on national averages alone.

The debate comes ahead of a major structural change in 2026, when the statutory gambling levy is introduced. Under the new system, the NHS will act as the primary commissioner of treatment services, while the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities will oversee prevention and UK Research and Innovation will manage research funding.

Menmuir noted that the NHS has been clear on enforcing a “clean break” from industry involvement. Although operators will fund the system through the levy, they will have no role in delivering or shaping treatment. The transition will also see the closure of GambleAware in March, formally ending the voluntary funding model.