UKGC report 2025 reveals youth gambling trends

The UK Gambling Commission has released its latest Young People and Gambling Report 2025, offering an in-depth look into gambling behaviours among individuals aged 11 to 17. The annual report, which draws on survey responses from 3,666 pupils across England, Scotland, and Wales, provides crucial insight into how young people engage with both regulated and unregulated forms of gambling.

While the majority of young people surveyed did not participate in gambling, the report revealed that 49% had engaged in some form of gambling activity in the past 12 months, and 30% had spent their own money on such activities. Although these figures highlight continued exposure to gambling environments, the overall prevalence of gambling-related problems remains low, with only 1.2% of respondents identified as experiencing harm, compared with 1.5% in 2024—a change described as statistically stable.

Understanding youth gambling engagement

The report’s findings show that most gambling activity among young people takes place in informal or low-stakes settings rather than within regulated online or retail environments. The most frequently cited forms of gambling were arcade-style machines such as penny pushers or claw grab machines, with 21% of respondents reporting participation. In addition, 14% had engaged in friendly bets among friends or family, while 5% admitted to playing card games for money.

This data suggests that while gambling remains present in youth culture, it often occurs in social or entertainment contexts rather than in settings directly operated by licensed gambling businesses. Nevertheless, the Commission considers all forms of underage gambling a matter of concern due to potential long-term behavioural risks and the normalisation of gambling at an early age.

Legal framework and protection measures

The UK Gambling Commission requires all licensed operators to maintain robust systems that prevent minors from accessing gambling products. These include mandatory age verification procedures, staff training, and ongoing monitoring of compliance within retail and online environments.

All land-based venues are required to check the age of any customer who appears to be under 25, while online operators must perform digital identity checks before allowing access to betting or gaming products. The Commission has also issued guidance to operators regarding advertising and promotional material to ensure that marketing is not targeted at, or likely to appeal to, underage audiences.

The regulatory body continues to collaborate with schools, parents, and youth organisations to raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling and to promote education as a preventive measure. The report emphasizes that social responsibility and industry cooperation remain key to maintaining a safe and transparent gambling environment.

Data-driven insights and trends

The Young People and Gambling Report 2025 not only measures participation rates but also explores behavioural motivations and exposure levels. Many young people reported being aware of gambling through advertisements, social media, or family influence. In some cases, young people encountered gambling mechanics in digital entertainment—such as loot boxes and in-game purchases—which, while not classified as gambling under current legislation, can mirror similar psychological patterns.

The Commission notes that these newer digital experiences blur the lines between gaming and gambling, raising questions about the adequacy of current legal definitions. As such, the report is intended not only as a statistical overview but also as a foundation for ongoing policy discussion.

Statement from the Gambling Commission

Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy at the Gambling Commission, commented on the report’s findings:

“Each year this report further strengthens understanding of the relationship between young people and gambling.

Even with that increased participation, the percentage of those scoring four or more on the youth-adapted problem gambling screen has not increased but has moved from 1.5% last year to 1.2% this year, which is classed as statistically stable.

Where it relates to regulated forms of gambling, we use the data to continuously keep under review and, where needed, strengthen the suite of protections for young people that we require gambling companies to have in place.”

Miller’s statement underscores the Commission’s focus on continuous review and evidence-based regulation. Despite slight fluctuations in participation rates, the organization remains confident in the stability of harm-related indicators and the effectiveness of ongoing protective measures.

Education and awareness initiatives

Beyond regulatory enforcement, the Gambling Commission places strong emphasis on education and awareness as tools for long-term harm prevention. Through partnerships with educational institutions and youth charities, the Commission supports programs designed to help young people understand risks, identify harmful behaviours, and develop healthy attitudes toward money and entertainment.

Schools have increasingly integrated gambling awareness into personal and social education curricula, ensuring students recognize the potential risks associated with online gaming, sports betting, and emerging digital forms of chance-based interaction. These initiatives are further supported by parental guidance resources, encouraging families to engage in open discussions about gambling-related topics.

Industry responsibility and compliance

Licensed operators in the UK are legally obligated to implement age-restriction systems, self-exclusion programs, and customer interaction protocols to detect and mitigate potential harm. Operators must demonstrate compliance with these measures through regular audits and are subject to penalties if they fail to meet the Commission’s standards.

Additionally, advertising standards are monitored by both the Gambling Commission and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Recent efforts have been directed toward limiting exposure of gambling advertisements to minors, particularly through social media and sports sponsorships.

These collective efforts aim to balance consumer freedom with societal protection, ensuring that gambling remains a lawful form of entertainment without posing undue risk to vulnerable groups.

Broader policy considerations

The findings from this report are expected to inform broader discussions within the UK government about gambling regulation, particularly in light of technological developments and changing social dynamics. Issues such as loot boxes, crypto-based gambling, and unregulated online betting platforms continue to attract attention from policymakers concerned about youth exposure to risk.

The Commission’s data provides a vital evidence base for evaluating whether existing legislation—such as the Gambling Act 2005—adequately addresses these modern challenges. Calls for reform may focus on tightening definitions of gambling-related activities, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and improving coordination across digital sectors.

Public response and future outlook

Public response to the report has been measured, with stakeholders from both the education and gambling industries acknowledging the importance of accurate data. Advocacy groups have urged continued vigilance, noting that even low levels of problem gambling can have significant consequences for affected individuals and families.

The Commission, for its part, has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency and collaboration. It continues to monitor industry performance and work alongside government bodies to ensure policies remain fit for purpose.

Looking ahead, the Young People and Gambling Report will remain a cornerstone of the UK’s evidence-based approach to gambling regulation. As societal attitudes evolve and digital entertainment becomes increasingly complex, maintaining effective safeguards for young people will remain a top priority for regulators and operators alike.

Conclusion

The 2025 Young People and Gambling Report demonstrates that while participation in gambling among young people persists at moderate levels, the overall rate of gambling-related harm remains statistically stable. With strong regulatory frameworks, industry cooperation, and education-based prevention strategies, the UK continues to uphold a balanced and responsible approach to protecting young individuals from gambling-related risks.

Through continuous monitoring, transparent data collection, and evidence-driven policy development, the Gambling Commission reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public interest while supporting a fair and sustainable gambling environment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Young People and Gambling Report?
It is an annual study by the UK Gambling Commission examining gambling behaviours and attitudes among 11 to 17-year-olds across England, Scotland, and Wales.

How many young people participated in the 2025 study?
A total of 3,666 pupils completed confidential online surveys conducted in school settings.

What percentage of young people reported gambling?
Approximately 49% of respondents said they had participated in some form of gambling during the previous 12 months.

Which gambling activities were most common?
Arcade machines, small bets with friends or family, and card games for money were the most frequently reported activities.

Has the rate of gambling-related harm increased?
No. The percentage of young people experiencing gambling-related harm fell slightly from 1.5% in 2024 to 1.2% in 2025.

What protections are in place to prevent underage gambling?
The Gambling Commission mandates strict age verification checks, staff training, and monitoring systems for all licensed operators.

Does the report include online gaming or loot boxes?
While not classified as gambling under current law, the report acknowledges that such digital features may resemble gambling mechanics.

What actions can parents take to prevent gambling-related harm?
Parents are encouraged to discuss gambling risks openly with children and to use available parental controls on digital platforms.

How does the Gambling Commission use the report’s findings?
The Commission uses the data to review and, where necessary, strengthen regulatory protections for young people.

What is the overall conclusion of the 2025 report?
Youth gambling participation remains steady, problem gambling rates are stable, and existing safeguards appear to be effectively mitigating harm.