In May 2020 the 大象传媒 Shared Data Unit reported search interest in online casinos had hit an all-time high in the UK since lockdown began, according to data.
Google Trends showed gambling had moved online amid the closure of physical gambling venues and cancellation of sports events.
Problem gamblers told the 大象传媒 lockdown measures were a "recipe for disaster".
Watchdog the Gambling Commission said there had been a rise in some online gambling, but there was no evidence yet of a rise in problem gambling.
The Shared Data Unit makes data journalism available to news organisations across the media industry, as part of a partnership between the 大象传媒 and the News Media Association. Stories generated by the partnership included:
- Milton Keynes Citizen: 21 May 2020
- Northampton Chronicle & Echo: 21 May 2020
- Casino Guardian: 21 May 2020
- Bolton News: 26 May 2020
- This is Lancashire: 26 May 2020