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Annual Student Gambling Survey 2024

Annual Student Gambling Survey 2024
by
March 11, 2024
in iGaming News, Laws
110

In a recent revelation, the Annual Student Gambling Survey 2024 sheds light on the alarming trends in gambling habits among university students in the United Kingdom. The survey, conducted on 2,000 students, discloses troubling statistics regarding the financial impact, risk levels, and influencing factors associated with student gambling.

Staggering Financial Losses and Funding Sources

The survey exposes that nearly half of university student gamblers are wagering more than they can afford. On average, students are losing £35.25 per week to gambling activities. Shockingly, 32% resort to their savings, 23% use their student loans, 10% rely on parental funds, and 8% dangerously dip into their overdrafts to fuel their gambling pursuits.

Government Intervention and Online Slot Limits

The release of these findings coincides with the government’s decision to impose restrictions on online slots for 18 to 24-year-olds, limiting bets to a maximum of £2 per spin. Additionally, gambling operators will conduct passive checks on players with a net loss exceeding £125 per month or £500 per year.

Assessing Gambling Risk: Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI)

To gauge the level of risk associated with gambling behavior, the survey incorporates the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Alarmingly, 28% of student gamblers fall into the ‘moderate risk’ category, with 21% classified as ‘problem gamblers.’

Influences on Gambling Behavior

Understanding the influences behind student gambling is crucial. The survey reveals that friends play the most significant role (34%), followed by sports events (26%) and social media (25%). This underscores the urgent need for educational initiatives to promote safer gambling habits among young people.

Emotional Toll and University Experience

Beyond financial losses, gambling takes an emotional toll on students, with 46% admitting it has negatively affected their university experience. This impact extends to difficulties in affording food, attempts to access hardship loans, and the sacrifice of social activities and work deadlines. Worryingly, one in 16 student gamblers has considered deferring or dropping out of university due to their gambling habits.

Campus Awareness Initiatives

Over the past year, GAMSTOP and Ygam have undertaken initiatives on more than 30 university campuses in the UK to raise awareness about gambling harms and available support. Ygam has also provided training to university and student union staff. Encouragingly, 60% of students now feel comfortable accessing university gambling support, marking an increase from the previous year.

Microtransactions in Video Games: A Parallel Concern

Expanding beyond traditional gambling, this year’s research delves into student attitudes towards spending money on microtransactions in video games. Despite the controversy surrounding features like loot boxes, 70% of student gamers have paid real money for these chance-based items, with only 51% recognizing this expenditure as a form of gambling.

Government Response and Future Measures

Stuart Andrew MP, the Gambling Minister, emphasizes the government’s commitment to protecting young people from gambling harms. Measures include online slot limits, financial risk checks, tighter controls on advertising and marketing, and a statutory levy on gambling operators.

Perspectives from Industry Leaders

Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, highlights the surge in young people registering for self-exclusion, emphasizing the importance of early education about gambling risks. Dr. Jane Rigbye, CEO of Ygam, underscores the persistent need for educational programs given the stable problem gambling prevalence rates among students.

Conclusion

As the Annual Student Gambling Survey 2024 unravels the challenges faced by university students, it becomes evident that addressing gambling issues requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, awareness, and stringent regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the average weekly loss among student gamblers?
The survey reveals that student gamblers lose an average of £35.25 per week.

What funding sources do students use for gambling?
Students resort to various sources, including savings (32%), student loans (23%), parental funds (10%), and overdrafts (8%).

What measures has the government introduced for online slots among 18 to 24-year-olds?
The government has imposed a maximum bet limit of £2 per spin and initiated passive checks on players with significant net losses.

How does the survey assess the risk of gambling behavior?
The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is employed, revealing that 28% of student gamblers are at ‘moderate risk,’ with 21% classified as ‘problem gamblers.’

What are the primary influences on student gambling behavior?
Friends (34%), sports events (26%), and social media (25%) are the major influences, emphasizing the need for educational initiatives.

How has gambling affected the university experience of students?
46% of students state that gambling has negatively impacted their university experience, leading to financial difficulties and missed opportunities.

Have campus awareness initiatives been successful in raising awareness about gambling harms?
Yes, with over 30 university campuses involved, awareness about gambling harms has increased, and 60% of students feel comfortable accessing university gambling support.

What is the government’s response to the survey findings?
Stuart Andrew MP, the Gambling Minister, highlights ongoing measures, including online slot limits, financial risk checks, and a statutory levy on gambling operators.

How do students perceive spending money on microtransactions in video games?
Despite controversy, 70% of student gamers have paid real money for chance-based items, but only 51% recognize this as a form of gambling.

What role do GAMSTOP and Ygam play in addressing gambling issues among students?
Both organizations have conducted initiatives on university campuses, raising awareness and providing support. GAMSTOP focuses on self-exclusion, while Ygam emphasizes education and prevention.

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