There was widespread relief among bookmakers and online gaming operators yesterday as the findings of an official study showed levels of gambling and problem gambling in the UK have not increased since 1999.

The surprise findings published by the Gambling Commission, the industry regulator, countered the prevailing view among academics and politicians that wider access to gambling in recent years, notably online, would result in a marked rise in participation and problem gambling.

Groups opposed to gambling, while not questioning the accuracy of the findings, warned against complacency. The Evangelical Alliance said the study must act as the basis for holding the government’s liberalisation of gambling to account, while the Methodist Church said the next study, in three years’ time, had to show a fall in problem gambling numbers.

“We remain concerned about the increase in online gambling and betting,” said Anthea Cox of the Methodist Church. “The study clearly shows that these are high risk for problem gambling.’’