In its report the commission tracks, participation rates, problem gambling estimates, online gambling behaviour, consumer awareness of gambling management tools and attitudes towards gambling.

It reveals that the percentage of people surveyed who gambled in the last four weeks has dropped from 48% in 2016 to a figure of 45% last year, while the number of people who have gambled online during the same period has risen by 1% from 17% to 18% during 2017.

Of these online gamblers 51% did so using a mobile phone or tablet, an 8% increase on the percentage reported during 2016. However the percentage of gamblers following gambling companies on social media dropped by 6% from a 2016 high of 32% to a 2017 figure of 26%.

6% of those gamblers surveyed have self-excluded themselves from gambling premises or websites,  while 0.8% identified themselves as problem gamblers and 3.9% identified themselves as at being risk of becoming problem gamblers.

The final two figures make for worrying reading for the gambling industry, in that 33% of people surveyed believe that gambling is fair and can be trusted, which is a stark message for an industry which championed its commitment to responsible gambling during 2017.

Additionally, 41% of respondents believe that gambling is associated with crime, a figure which has risen since the 2016 survey was carried out.

Ben Haden, Programme Director at the Gambling Commission said: “Our new three year strategy sets out our role in developing a strong evidence base and improved understanding of the impact gambling has on society. Today’s report makes an important contribution to that work as it presents a comprehensive view on how the British public is choosing the gamble and their attitudes to the current market.

“Our research shows the main factor that influences where someone gambles, is a company with a reputation for being fair and trustworthy. The message from that is clear – gambling companies that treat their customers well and act responsibly will be at an increasingly competitive advantage.”