A total of 94% of British adults who bet at least once per month believe they should be free to decide how to spend their own time and money, a new study from Entain has found.

The figure is an increase from 79% in December 2020, prior to the latest lockdown which began in January 2021.

The Ladbrokes and Coral owner, along with CT Group, surveyed 2,000 Britons who enjoy placing a bet on something other than The National Lottery at least once a month. It comes as changes to betting laws are considered by the UK Government through the review of the 2005 Gambling Act, and as the UK moves slowly out of a national lockdown.

Key findings include 55% of respondents regarding betting and gaming as social activities which they enjoy with friends, with 25% saying they have made good friends through betting and gaming.

Over 90% of those who enjoy betting are sports fans, while 78% of respondents bet at least once per week, typically spending around half of what they might spend in bars, pubs and restaurants each week.

A total of 58% of those who enjoy betting see themselves as savers, with 84% having savings accounts. And 38% say they actively enjoy spending money.

According to Entain, the survey “reinforces that betting is a social activity that the vast majority of people enjoy safely and responsibly.”