Data from the biggest operators, covering around 80% of the online market and 85% in retail in GB, looked how the coronavirus pandemic lockdown impacted gambling behaviour, from March to July.

The data showed online betting gross gambling yield (GGY) decreased 4% from June to July, with sports betting GGR down 4% down to £209.3m ($271.9m) following a 115% rise the month previously.

Virtual betting GGR decreased for the third consecutive month, down 17% month-on-month for July to £7.9m, while esports fell by 25%, to £2.6m.

Poker GGY saw a 23% decline down to £9m after significant rise in activity during the height of the pandemic, while slots only decreased by 2%, at £162.9m for July. Other gaming, including casino GGY, was down 4%, to £66m.

While the Gambling Commission stated it was the first month-on-month fall of online betting GGY since April, figures were still an increase on pre-pandemic figures.

It attributed the fall in online play to the reopening of retail betting shops from 15 June, after being closed on 23 March, leading to a transference of betting spend.

While the figures aren’t comparable between the different periods due to the closures, data showed over the counter GGY at retail venues grew to £62.5m for July, revenue from self service betting terminals (SSBTs) was up to £23.2m, while GGY from machines increased to £81.6m.