Whether it’s betting on horses or buying a scratchy, gambling is big business. In fact, 68% of Brits gamble in some form. But with the industry’s tainted reputation threatening its future, what’s now driving people to place a wager? Canvas8 sat down with 20 men and women to find out why they gamble.

Fixed-odds betting terminals are accused of being highly addictive, allowing people to spend huge sums in just minutes. The UK government aims to limit the amount a person can spend in order to help curb dangerous gambling habits and protect those most at risk.

Fantasy sports leagues have etched their way into the American sporting psyche, with millions playing in fictional leagues every week. Their enduring popularity may be mystifying to some, but with strict gambling compliance in the US, for many people they’re the best way to have fun and gamble online.

They may not be smoking or taking drugs, but British teens are placing their bets. Be it on card games, fruit machines or via apps, almost half a million young teenagers are gambling. The overall rate of gambling among 11- to 15-year-olds is now 16% – which is twice that of drinking alcohol.