they have learn how bad trying to make more money out of gambling because luck is not friendly to everyone.
Why i know this? because at one time last year? i tried the same but losses everything that i Got from my Loan for emergency .
With those figures that OP has presented, not surprising to see the number of gamblers is growing and the time spent. Even stricter laws come, as online gambling exists, this it really hard to stop and this addiction will continue.
It's just so disappointing that not everyone sees gambling as a source of entertainment but rather a source of income especially for those who are having a hard time finding a stable job during this pandemic situation. If we'll just have a proper mindset, we'll know how to get rid of gambling addiction. I hope that the UK government would do something to help decrease the percentage of gambling addiction in their country.