Fewer UK sports bettors made in-play wagers during 2018, according to new statistics released by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

The UKGC’s latest annual report into the UK market’s gambling participation in 2018 shows remarkable consistency with the 2017 report, with overall participation up one point to 46% (51% for men over 16 years of age, 41% for women). Excluding individuals who only purchase National Lottery draw tickets, participation rose one point to 32%.

Online gambling participation was flat at 18% (23% for men, 15% for women), although this falls to 14% (also flat) when you exclude individuals whose only online gambling activity involves the National Lottery.

The number of online gamblers who made an in-play wager dropped three points to 23% in 2018. This drop was much higher (seven points) in the 35-44 age demo. In fact, all age demos save those in the 65+ group reported reduced participation in in-play wagering.