A report by the UK Gambling Commission reveals that 27% of 11–17-year-olds in the UK spent their own money on gambling in the past year. The 2024 Young People and Gambling Report, based on responses from nearly 4,000 school children, highlights a concerning trend of young people engaging in both regulated and unregulated gambling activities. Of those surveyed, 21% participated in regulated gambling, while 15% engaged in unregulated forms such as private bets or online platforms outside legal oversight.
Arcade gaming machines were the most popular, accounting for 20% of total spending, followed by family bets at 11% and card games at 5%. While 80% of young gamblers said they gambled “for fun,” 26% admitted gambling made them feel happy, a sharp increase from 17% in 2023. On the downside, 8% reported that gambling caused tension at home, and 1.5% experienced gambling-related problems, more than doubling from 0.7% in the previous year.
The report also shows a rise in exposure to gambling advertisements, with 64% of young people seeing ads online in 2024 compared to 53% in 2023, while offline exposure grew from 55% to 62%. Television remains a key source, with 54% recalling gambling ads. Family influence is significant, with 26% of respondents witnessing relatives gambling and 12% reporting that family members’ gambling contributed to household expenses.
Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy at the Gambling Commission, acknowledged the need for strengthened protections for young people. Starting August 30, 2024, land-based operators will require proof of age and identity from patrons appearing under 25. While regulated gambling measures are being enhanced, the report underscores that unregulated gambling, such as private betting, also poses risks and requires broader societal efforts to address.