The annual Young People and Gambling Report for 2024 has been made public by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This study looks at both regulated and unregulated activities that expose kids to possible gambling-related harm in order to evaluate gambling practices among young people. The data was gathered in classrooms between January and June 2024 using self-reported online surveys from a sample of 3,869 pupils between the ages of 11 and 17.
The UKGC has taken additional regulatory action as a result of this year’s findings, which show significant developments in young people’s gambling habits.
Significant Findings on Youth Gambling Behavior
According to the report, 27% of young people surveyed had spent their own money on gambling within the previous 12 months. Many of these activities, including arcade games, betting among friends, and card games, were legal or did not involve age-restricted products. For instance, arcade gaming machines, such as claw machines and penny pushers, were used by 20% of respondents, while 11% reported placing bets with friends or family.
Approximately 21% of young people engaged in regulated gambling activities, often in licensed premises, while 15% participated in unregulated forms of gambling, which are outside the UKGC’s jurisdiction. A concerning increase was also noted in the number of young people scoring 4 or higher on the DSM-IV-MR-J, an indicator of problem gambling. This metric rose from 0.7% in 2023 to 1.5% in 2024, suggesting a rise in gambling-related issues among youth.
In response to these trends, the UKGC has implemented stricter regulations to protect minors from gambling harm. As of August 30, all gambling licensees are now required to verify the age of any customer appearing under 25, expanding previous requirements that targeted individuals under 21. Additionally, age-verification test purchasing is now mandatory for all land-based gambling venues, regardless of size.
Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy at the UKGC, emphasized the report’s value: “Today’s report gives us important insights into the relationship between young people and gambling.” He also noted that while regulated gambling comes with protections, unregulated activities—like friendly betting—remain concerning. Miller added, “Our report points to the opportunities that parents, schools, and other groups have to also help reduce gambling harm among children and young people.”
The UKGC aims to use this data to continuously refine and enhance protections for young people, working with educators, parents, and communities to reduce the risks of gambling exposure among the youth.
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