Scotland has about 31,000 problem gamblers while nearly three-quarters of the population have placed a bet in the past year, according to the findings from the Scottish Health Survey. The Herald Scottish newspaper reported that 74% of men and 67% of women gambled during 2012, while 0.7% of adults have been identified as problem gamblers.

A further 3% of adults were classed as being at “low risk” of harm from gambling, while 1% were a moderate risk. The survey discovered that one in 12 Scottish adults have participated in online gambling during the last 12 months – with men three times as likely than women to do so.

Gambling participation was revealed to be highest in those aged between 24 and 54, but when participation in the UK National Lottery was excluded, the 16 to 24 age group was the most active. Despite the findings, a spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said that the “levels of problem gambling in Scotland are low and consistent with levels seen across the UK”.

She added: “However, the Scottish Government recognizes the devastation that gambling problems can cause for individuals and will continue to press the UK Government to ensure that the fast-changing gambling landscape doesn’t lead to more widespread problems.”

This story originally appeared on the iGaming Business website.