If you’ve ever stood in a queue at the bookies or glanced around during a Saturday match, it probably won’t shock you that betting is part of the routine for a lot of Brits. But which age group actually bets the most? Who’s driving the numbers behind the scenes?
Spoiler: it’s not your granddad ticking off his accumulator or your younger cousin dabbling on TikTok tips. The answer is a little more focused, and it mostly fits in a smartphone.
Younger Adults Are Doing More Than Just Scrolling
People aged 25 to 34 are placing more bets than any other group in the UK. That’s not just casual guessing—it’s a regular habit. They’re the most active across nearly all forms of gambling, especially sports betting.
Why? Simple. It’s fast, it’s convenient, and it lives right there on their phones. This generation doesn’t queue outside shops or scribble on betting slips—they’re tapping their screens during lunch breaks or while watching the second half. With the best betting apps offering in-play markets, price boosts, and slick interfaces, it’s never been easier—or more tempting—to get involved.
There’s also something to be said for how apps have blurred the line between gambling and entertainment. For a lot of younger users, betting feels like just another interactive layer to watching sport.
35 to 54-Year-Olds Bet Often—Just Not Loudly
While the 25–34 age group leads the charts, those aged 35 to 54 aren’t far behind. You won’t always spot them on social media talking about their slips, but they’re steady, frequent bettors—and they often place more money per wager.
They grew up with the old-school ways, when betting was done in person and odds were chalked on a board. But they’ve adapted. Now they use online platforms, apps, and still occasionally walk into their local bookie, especially for the Grand National or Cheltenham.
This group also tends to be more thoughtful. They follow form, know their teams, and often stick to sports they’ve watched for years. Some even venture beyond football and racing, dipping into golf betting tips when the majors roll around. Betting, for them, is less about hype and more about calculated punts.
According to Statista, this age group holds firm in both online betting and the National Lottery, making them a reliable core for the industry.
18 to 24-Year-Olds: Less Money, More Curiosity
Now here’s where things get interesting. You might expect the youngest legal betting group—those aged 18 to 24—to top the charts. After all, they’re glued to their phones and grew up online. But that’s not the case.
Yes, they bet—but not as much as the 25–34 crowd. One reason? Less disposable income. Another? They’re more likely to bet socially or as a one-off, not part of a routine. When they do engage, it’s often tied to novelty markets, fantasy sports, or in-play betting that feels fast and fun rather than methodical.
That said, they’re the quickest to try something new. If a betting app launches a fresh feature or a streamer promotes a quirky market, this is the group that clicks first.
Over 55s: Still In the Game, Just Playing a Different Way
Once you get to the 55+ bracket, the numbers start to dip. But that doesn’t mean this group isn’t betting—it just looks different.
Many older punters stick to the classics: the lottery, horses, or the occasional football bet. They’re less likely to download an app or jump on a flash promotion, but they’re still very much part of the scene. Some even keep routines tied to live racing or televised matches.
A growing number are getting more comfortable with online platforms, especially those with cleaner layouts and fewer bells and whistles. They may not bet as often, but when they do, they tend to know exactly what they want and don’t waste time scrolling through dozens of markets.
