Entertainment
Gambling in the UK: What’s popular and what’s new?
It’s no secret that Brits love to gamble, whether it’s in person or online, but what do we love most and what’s rising in popularity amongst UK gamblers?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at popular gambling activities in the UK and any new games coming onto the scene. We’ll also explore what to look for when choosing a new gambling site, so you can enjoy fun and safe gambling.
Popular gambling activities
The most popular form of gambling in the UK is the National Lottery, with 31% of gamblers participating in it. Scratchcards, betting on sports, and online instant win games are also incredibly popular amongst Brits. Surprisingly, casino games are the least popular form of gambling, with only 3% of those surveyed participating in casino games.
Up and coming gambling activities
What’s new in the world of gambling that’s making its way onto the scene?
Unpredictable games
Games that can’t be predicted and mostly rely on luck are picking up momentum in the world of gambling. One example is Plinko, which originally aired as a game on ‘The Price is Right’ but has now been turned into a successful slot game.
Virtual and augmented reality
Online gambling is often favoured over in-person gambling. However, people still crave a truly immersive experience when playing online. This is where virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have seen an increase in users. Many online games have adopted the use of VR and AR to attract more players looking for something a little more enticing than regular online gambling.
What to look for when choosing a new gambling site
It’s important to choose gambling sites that are legitimate, safe, reliable, and fun. Here are a few things to look out for.
Customer support
Good customer support is essential since you never know what issues you may run into. Opt for a site that offers responsive customer support who will address any concerns or questions quickly and efficiently.
Licenses
Licensed online establishments have to adhere to strict guidelines and regulations, whereas unlicensed sites don’t – which can lead to an increased risk of scams or hacked information. Be sure the site you are using is licensed and regulated.
Payment methods
You want a site that offers a variety of payment methods and provides fast payouts. It’s also important to ensure these payment methods are reliable and secure.
Usability
It’s not just safety and convenience that you want to look for. Usability is also an important element to keep an eye on, as sites with poor usability can limit your enjoyment.
Bonuses
Promotions and bonuses can be a great way to get the most out of your gambling experience. Always look for, and make use of, free bets and sign up offers to bet with.
What does the future of gambling look like?
It’s hard to predict what the future of gambling in the UK will look like considering the ever advancing nature of technology. It’s likely that in-person gambling will continue for a long time, however it wouldn’t be a shock if online gambling took over completely one day.
Entertainment
Llys-y-frân Lake to launch Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park
NEW ATTRACTION WILL OPEN AT WEEKENDS BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS
LLYS-Y-FRÂN Lake is set to make a splash this summer with the launch of what is being billed as Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park.
The new attraction, at the popular reservoir and visitor destination near Clarbeston Road, will feature a floating obstacle course with slides, launch towers, blast bags and other inflatable challenges.
Visitors will be able to enjoy one-hour sessions on the water, with safety equipment included in the £25 ticket price.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, which runs Llys-y-frân Lake, completed the acquisition of the aqua park from Aqua Parks Group in March. Work is now under way to inflate and anchor the multi-component course in the lake ahead of its opening.
The aqua park will open at weekends before the start of the six-week school holiday period. It will then operate daily during the school holidays, with the season expected to finish in early September.
James Thompson, Head of Visitor Attractions at Dŵr Cymru, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of an Aqua Park at Llys-y-frân Lake.
“We look forward to welcoming both holidaymakers and local residents from across West Wales and beyond to experience the Aqua Park.
“This new addition enables visitors to enjoy the water in a safe, fully lifeguarded environment.”
Llys-y-frân Lake, situated north of Haverfordwest in the foothills of the Preseli Mountains, has become one of West Wales’s best-known outdoor attractions.
The site, which includes 350 acres of woodland, grassland and open water, benefited from major investment in 2021 with the opening of a new visitor centre and activity centre. A four-star campsite was added in 2023.
Dŵr Cymru said environmental surveys had been carried out and indicated that the aqua park was unlikely to have a negative impact on local wildlife. The company said measures were being put in place to protect the lake’s habitats and species.
Recent inland bathing water assessments have also confirmed that Llys-y-frân Lake has excellent water quality. Welsh Water said monitoring would continue throughout the summer bathing season.
A community open day will be held at Llys-y-frân Visitor Centre on Sunday, May 17, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, where plans for the aqua park will be on display and staff will be available to answer questions.
The new attraction will add to the existing activities at Llys-y-frân, which include bike hire, walking and cycling trails, mountain bike routes, a pump track, lakeside café and gift shop.
Further updates on opening dates and the full summer timetable will be published on the Llys-y-frân Lake Facebook and Instagram pages.
Charity
Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return
Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront
MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.
The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.
Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.
Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.
Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.
The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.
Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.
Community support
Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.
“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.
“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”
Ticket information
Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.
Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.
The event is strictly over-18s only.
Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.
Entertainment
Dinosaurs set to take over Milford Waterfront
PREHISTORIC FUN COMES TO MILFORD HAVEN
DINOSAURS will be roaming Milford Waterfront later this month as Dinomania brings a day of prehistoric entertainment to the town.
The popular dinosaur attraction will take over the waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three interactive shows taking place throughout the afternoon.
Each show will last around 50 minutes and promises plenty of audience participation, prehistoric facts, and family-friendly fun.
Before the ticketed shows begin, visitors are being encouraged to keep an eye out around Milford Waterfront, where Dinomania’s dinosaurs will be out and about during a free walkabout performance between 10:30am and 11:30am.
The walkabout will give families the chance to see the dinosaurs up close and enjoy some entertainment around the waterfront before the main shows get underway.
Milford Waterfront said: “Dinomania will be taking over Milford Waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three exciting shows taking place throughout the afternoon.
“Each show lasts approximately 50 minutes and is packed with interactive moments and prehistoric fun.”
Tickets can be booked through the Milford Waterfront website.
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