7.11.2024
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Rising Gambling Among UK Youth: New Report Reveals Key Statistics
The UK Gambling Commission’s recent report highlights a significant trend: 27% of children aged 11 to 17 are spending their own money on gambling activities, marking a notable rise in youth engagement with both regulated and unregulated forms of gambling.
Key Findings from the Report
The 2024 Young People and Gambling Report, based on survey data from nearly 4,000 young people across the UK, reveals some concerning statistics and trends regarding gambling habits among children and teens.
Youth Gambling Trends
- - 27% of UK children aged 11-17 reported using their own money on gambling within the past year.
- - 21% engaged in regulated forms of gambling, such as lotteries or licensed gaming venues.
- - 15% spent on unregulated gambling activities, including bets between friends.
- - 80% of these young gamblers stated that they participated for fun, indicating a casual approach to gambling.
Emotional Impact of Gambling
The report also touches on how gambling affects young people's emotions and home life:
- - 26% of young gamblers said gambling made them feel happy—a notable increase from 17% in 2023.
- - 8% reported experiencing family tension as a result of gambling.
- - 12% mentioned that a family member’s gambling had helped pay for items at home.
Influence of Advertising on Youth
The influence of advertising on young people has surged in the past year, increasing their exposure and potentially normalizing gambling:
- - 64% of respondents reported seeing gambling ads online, up from 53% in 2023.
- - 62% had seen gambling ads offline, while 54% saw them on TV.
- - Overall, 26% of young people observed a family member engaged in gambling activities.
Most Popular Forms of Gambling Among Youth
According to the report, the most popular gambling activities among young people include:
- 1. Arcade gaming machines – Representing 20% of youth gambling expenditure.
- 2. Betting with friends or family – Engaging 11% of respondents.
- 3. Card games with friends or family – Involving 5% of participants.
Strengthened Regulations to Protect Youth
In response to the rise in youth gambling, the UK Gambling Commission has tightened its guidelines. As of August 30, 2024, all in-person gambling venues must verify the identity and age of any patron who appears under 25. This measure aims to reduce underage gambling and mitigate harm among young people.
Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Gambling Commission, emphasized the importance of understanding these trends: “This report offers crucial insights into how young people are interacting with gambling, both regulated and otherwise. Our data helps shape protections within licensed gambling, but we also need parents, schools, and communities to recognize their roles in addressing and reducing gambling-related harm among youth.”
With this latest report, the UK is seeing more emphasis on education and awareness as preventative tools against the potential dangers of gambling among young people, reinforcing the need for ongoing efforts across various sectors.
