GITNUXREPORT 2025

Spread Statistics

Spread betting market exceeds $500 billion globally, driven by UK dominance and youth growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Educative resources such as webinars, tutorials, and demo accounts have led to a 35% increase in new spread betting accounts over the past three years

Statistic 2

The UK accounts for approximately 60% of the global spread betting market

Statistic 3

The regulatory environment for spread betting in the UK includes strict rules on leverage, capital requirements, and client fund segregation

Statistic 4

In Canada, spread betting activities are limited and highly regulated, with only a few providers offering services, and the market size is under $1 billion

Statistic 5

In Asia, spread betting is less prevalent but is gradually gaining popularity, especially in Japan and Australia, with a growth rate of 10% annually

Statistic 6

Spread betting is banned or heavily restricted in some countries, including the US and Canada, due to regulatory concerns

Statistic 7

Spread betting accounts for over $500 billion in trading volume annually worldwide

Statistic 8

In 2022, the US market for spread betting was estimated to be worth around $40 billion

Statistic 9

The average daily trading volume for spread bets in the UK is approximately 200,000 contracts

Statistic 10

In 2023, the European market for spread betting continued to grow, reaching an estimated value of $15 billion

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Analysts estimate the global spread betting market size to grow at a CAGR of 8% over the next five years

Statistic 12

Broker concentration in the spread betting industry is high, with the top 3 providers holding approximately 75% of the market share in the UK

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The total spread betting revenue reported by UK firms in 2022 was approximately £1.5 billion, indicating the profitability of the industry

Statistic 14

In Australia, spread betting is classified as a derivative and regulated by ASIC, with over $2 billion traded annually

Statistic 15

In the UK, profits from spread betting are currently tax-free for individual traders, making it attractive compared to other trading forms

Statistic 16

There are over 20 regulated spread betting providers in the UK, offering a variety of assets

Statistic 17

Retail spread betting accounts are typically held at licensed brokers, which are subjected to audits and regulatory compliance checks at least annually

Statistic 18

Regulatory penalties for non-compliance in the UK spread betting industry have totaled over £10 million since 2020, underscoring the importance of regulation

Statistic 19

Approximately 70% of individual traders who use spread betting are between the ages of 20-40

Statistic 20

Spread betting is popular among retail traders due to its tax benefits in certain countries

Statistic 21

About 50% of retail traders using spread betting do so part-time alongside other employment

Statistic 22

A survey indicated that 65% of spread betting traders use technical analysis to make trading decisions

Statistic 23

The majority of spread bettors (around 75%) experience losses, emphasizing the high risk involved

Statistic 24

Spread betting has become increasingly popular among younger traders, especially in the 18-25 age group, with a growth rate of 15% annually

Statistic 25

Spread betting journals and forums report a 25% annual increase in new traders opting for spread betting as a preferred trading method

Statistic 26

About 40% of traders are attracted to spread betting because of its potential for profit in both rising and falling markets

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Spread betting appeals to active traders, with around 45% executing more than 10 trades per month

Statistic 28

Approximately 20% of traders experience a loss exceeding their initial deposit, leading to account closure

Statistic 29

Around 55% of UK traders use mobile devices exclusively for spread betting, indicating high mobile engagement

Statistic 30

Market volatility significantly impacts spread betting outcomes, with 85% of traders adjusting their strategies during high-volatility periods

Statistic 31

The average annual return for successful spread and forex traders ranges from 10% to 20%, depending on risk management strategies

Statistic 32

The typical minimum deposit for opening a spread betting account is between $200 and $500, making it accessible for new traders

Statistic 33

Spread betting has been linked with increased trading activity during economic releases and news events, with over 60% of traders executing trades during such times

Statistic 34

Nearly 90% of spread betting traders report using stop-loss orders to manage risk, highlighting risk mitigation practices

Statistic 35

The percentage of traders who achieve consistent profits in spread betting is estimated to be around 10%, emphasizing the challenge of successful trading

Statistic 36

Awareness levels of spread betting as a financial instrument have increased by 20% among retail investors in the past five years, mainly due to digital marketing campaigns

Statistic 37

The median profit or loss per trade in spread betting is approximately $50, with some traders experiencing gains exceeding $10,000 and others losses over $20,000

Statistic 38

The use of social trading platforms has increased among spread bettors by 40% in the last two years, allowing traders to mimic successful strategies

Statistic 39

Nearly 25% of traders reported feeling overwhelmed by the volatility and complexity of spread betting, leading to more reliance on automated trading systems

Statistic 40

The average account lifespan for retail spread bettors before closing or switching providers is approximately 18 months, indicating low long-term retention

Statistic 41

Spread betting firms often offer educational incentives such as free webinars or tutorials to attract new traders, with 60% of new accounts generated via educational marketing

Statistic 42

The average spread for stocks in spread betting is typically between 0.1 to 0.5 points

Statistic 43

The leverage ratio in spread betting can go up to 200:1, increasing potential gains and losses

Statistic 44

The most traded assets in spread betting include forex, indices, commodities, and shares

Statistic 45

The average holding period for a spread bet is around 2 days, indicating short-term trading strategies are common

Statistic 46

The biggest risk associated with spread betting is the potential for significant losses exceeding the initial deposit

Statistic 47

The most popular trading hours for spread betting are between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM EST, aligning with stock market hours

Statistic 48

Spread betting firms often charge an overnight financing fee, which can be a significant cost for long-term traders

Statistic 49

Around 80% of spread betting traders rely on online trading platforms for execution, highlighting the importance of technology in this market

Statistic 50

Spread betting is often used to hedge existing positions or portfolio risk, with approximately 30% of traders citing hedging as their primary strategy

Statistic 51

The average margin requirement for a spread bet is approximately 5% of the total position size, making it accessible for individual traders

Statistic 52

The most common trading leverage used in the UK for spread betting is 20:1, according to industry surveys

Statistic 53

The average spread for forex in spread betting platforms ranges from 0.1 to 0.7 pips, depending on the currency pair

Statistic 54

Spread betting platforms increasingly incorporate machine learning algorithms to optimize trading signals, with 30% adoption rate among top providers

Statistic 55

The average number of assets available for spread betting per provider is over 150, including stocks, forex, commodities, and indices

Statistic 56

The average size of a spread betting trade is around $1,000, though highly leveraged trading can magnify this value significantly

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Sources

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Key Highlights

Spread betting accounts for over $500 billion in trading volume annually worldwide
The UK accounts for approximately 60% of the global spread betting market
In 2022, the US market for spread betting was estimated to be worth around $40 billion
Approximately 70% of individual traders who use spread betting are between the ages of 20-40
The average spread for stocks in spread betting is typically between 0.1 to 0.5 points
Spread betting is popular among retail traders due to its tax benefits in certain countries
The leverage ratio in spread betting can go up to 200:1, increasing potential gains and losses
The most traded assets in spread betting include forex, indices, commodities, and shares
The average holding period for a spread bet is around 2 days, indicating short-term trading strategies are common
About 50% of retail traders using spread betting do so part-time alongside other employment
The biggest risk associated with spread betting is the potential for significant losses exceeding the initial deposit
In Australia, spread betting is classified as a derivative and regulated by ASIC, with over $2 billion traded annually
A survey indicated that 65% of spread betting traders use technical analysis to make trading decisions

With over $500 billion in global annual trading volume and a rapidly growing market that attracts predominantly young, tech-savvy retail traders, spread betting stands out as both an enticing and high-risk frontier in modern financial trading.

Educational Resources and Industry Insights

Educative resources such as webinars, tutorials, and demo accounts have led to a 35% increase in new spread betting accounts over the past three years

Educational Resources and Industry Insights Interpretation

The surge in new spread betting accounts—up 35% thanks to webinars, tutorials, and demo accounts—proves that enlightened traders are more confident and better equipped to navigate the markets, blending education with opportunity.

Geographical Distribution and Regulation

The UK accounts for approximately 60% of the global spread betting market
The regulatory environment for spread betting in the UK includes strict rules on leverage, capital requirements, and client fund segregation
In Canada, spread betting activities are limited and highly regulated, with only a few providers offering services, and the market size is under $1 billion
In Asia, spread betting is less prevalent but is gradually gaining popularity, especially in Japan and Australia, with a growth rate of 10% annually
Spread betting is banned or heavily restricted in some countries, including the US and Canada, due to regulatory concerns

Geographical Distribution and Regulation Interpretation

While the UK dominates over half of the global spread betting market under tight regulatory oversight, the growing interest in Asia and cautious stance elsewhere highlight that, despite its controversial appeal, spread betting remains a tightly controlled game of risk and regulation worldwide.

Market Size and Revenue

Spread betting accounts for over $500 billion in trading volume annually worldwide
In 2022, the US market for spread betting was estimated to be worth around $40 billion
The average daily trading volume for spread bets in the UK is approximately 200,000 contracts
In 2023, the European market for spread betting continued to grow, reaching an estimated value of $15 billion
Analysts estimate the global spread betting market size to grow at a CAGR of 8% over the next five years
Broker concentration in the spread betting industry is high, with the top 3 providers holding approximately 75% of the market share in the UK
The total spread betting revenue reported by UK firms in 2022 was approximately £1.5 billion, indicating the profitability of the industry

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

With over half a trillion dollars traded annually worldwide and industry giants controlling three-quarters of the UK market, spread betting’s rapid growth and hefty profits reveal a high-stakes game where savvy traders and dominant brokers alike are cashing in on the financial adrenaline rush.

Regulation

In Australia, spread betting is classified as a derivative and regulated by ASIC, with over $2 billion traded annually
In the UK, profits from spread betting are currently tax-free for individual traders, making it attractive compared to other trading forms
There are over 20 regulated spread betting providers in the UK, offering a variety of assets
Retail spread betting accounts are typically held at licensed brokers, which are subjected to audits and regulatory compliance checks at least annually
Regulatory penalties for non-compliance in the UK spread betting industry have totaled over £10 million since 2020, underscoring the importance of regulation

Regulation Interpretation

While Australia's regulatory oversight and decade-long trading volume of over $2 billion underscore a matured market, the UK's tax-free profits and robust provider competition highlight its allure—yet the £10 million in penalties since 2020 serve as a stark reminder that even in a seemingly favourable environment, stringent compliance remains the trader's best safeguard.

Trader Demographics and Behavior

Approximately 70% of individual traders who use spread betting are between the ages of 20-40
Spread betting is popular among retail traders due to its tax benefits in certain countries
About 50% of retail traders using spread betting do so part-time alongside other employment
A survey indicated that 65% of spread betting traders use technical analysis to make trading decisions
The majority of spread bettors (around 75%) experience losses, emphasizing the high risk involved
Spread betting has become increasingly popular among younger traders, especially in the 18-25 age group, with a growth rate of 15% annually
Spread betting journals and forums report a 25% annual increase in new traders opting for spread betting as a preferred trading method
About 40% of traders are attracted to spread betting because of its potential for profit in both rising and falling markets
Spread betting appeals to active traders, with around 45% executing more than 10 trades per month
Approximately 20% of traders experience a loss exceeding their initial deposit, leading to account closure
Around 55% of UK traders use mobile devices exclusively for spread betting, indicating high mobile engagement
Market volatility significantly impacts spread betting outcomes, with 85% of traders adjusting their strategies during high-volatility periods
The average annual return for successful spread and forex traders ranges from 10% to 20%, depending on risk management strategies
The typical minimum deposit for opening a spread betting account is between $200 and $500, making it accessible for new traders
Spread betting has been linked with increased trading activity during economic releases and news events, with over 60% of traders executing trades during such times
Nearly 90% of spread betting traders report using stop-loss orders to manage risk, highlighting risk mitigation practices
The percentage of traders who achieve consistent profits in spread betting is estimated to be around 10%, emphasizing the challenge of successful trading
Awareness levels of spread betting as a financial instrument have increased by 20% among retail investors in the past five years, mainly due to digital marketing campaigns
The median profit or loss per trade in spread betting is approximately $50, with some traders experiencing gains exceeding $10,000 and others losses over $20,000
The use of social trading platforms has increased among spread bettors by 40% in the last two years, allowing traders to mimic successful strategies
Nearly 25% of traders reported feeling overwhelmed by the volatility and complexity of spread betting, leading to more reliance on automated trading systems
The average account lifespan for retail spread bettors before closing or switching providers is approximately 18 months, indicating low long-term retention
Spread betting firms often offer educational incentives such as free webinars or tutorials to attract new traders, with 60% of new accounts generated via educational marketing

Trader Demographics and Behavior Interpretation

Despite its growing popularity among young, mobile-savvy traders drawn by tax benefits and the allure of profit in volatile markets, spread betting remains a high-risk arena where approximately 75% face losses, only 10% achieve consistent gains, and over half operate part-time amid complex strategies, highlighting both its appeal and peril for retail investors.

Trading Practices and Asset Preferences

The average spread for stocks in spread betting is typically between 0.1 to 0.5 points
The leverage ratio in spread betting can go up to 200:1, increasing potential gains and losses
The most traded assets in spread betting include forex, indices, commodities, and shares
The average holding period for a spread bet is around 2 days, indicating short-term trading strategies are common
The biggest risk associated with spread betting is the potential for significant losses exceeding the initial deposit
The most popular trading hours for spread betting are between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM EST, aligning with stock market hours
Spread betting firms often charge an overnight financing fee, which can be a significant cost for long-term traders
Around 80% of spread betting traders rely on online trading platforms for execution, highlighting the importance of technology in this market
Spread betting is often used to hedge existing positions or portfolio risk, with approximately 30% of traders citing hedging as their primary strategy
The average margin requirement for a spread bet is approximately 5% of the total position size, making it accessible for individual traders
The most common trading leverage used in the UK for spread betting is 20:1, according to industry surveys
The average spread for forex in spread betting platforms ranges from 0.1 to 0.7 pips, depending on the currency pair
Spread betting platforms increasingly incorporate machine learning algorithms to optimize trading signals, with 30% adoption rate among top providers
The average number of assets available for spread betting per provider is over 150, including stocks, forex, commodities, and indices
The average size of a spread betting trade is around $1,000, though highly leveraged trading can magnify this value significantly

Trading Practices and Asset Preferences Interpretation

With tight spreads averaging just 0.1 to 0.5 points and leverage soaring up to 200:1, spread betting offers a cocktail of rapid, high-stakes trades—primarily over short two-day horizons—where technological tools and strategic hedging meet to amplify both potential gains and risks in a market driven by around 150 assets, all under the watchful eye of traders risking more than they might imagine in pursuit of quick profits.