UKGC Report on Youth Gambling in 2024

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has released its 2024 Young People and Gambling Report, an in-depth study analyzing the exposure and engagement of children and young people in various forms of gambling. Conducted annually, this report sheds light on gambling behaviors among youths aged 11 to 17, along with the societal implications and ongoing regulatory actions aimed at reducing potential harms.

This year’s study, based on surveys conducted in schools, provides significant insights into how gambling affects young people in the UK, identifying both legal and unregulated activities that contribute to early gambling experiences. The findings are crucial for policymakers, parents, and educational institutions, calling for collaborative efforts to mitigate gambling-related harm.

Research Methodology: Surveying Youth Gambling Habits

The 2024 Young People and Gambling Report compiled data from 3,869 students aged between 11 and 17. The participants completed an anonymous, online, self-administered survey in their classrooms from January to June 2024, providing a representative sample of youth gambling behaviors across the UK. This approach allowed for a better understanding of the spectrum of gambling activities young people engage in, including regulated and unregulated forms.

The survey focused on whether young people spent their own money on gambling, the types of gambling they preferred, and the frequency of such behaviors. By analyzing this data, the UKGC aims to track trends in youth gambling and provide recommendations for reducing harm, including strengthening existing protections.

Key Findings: Youth Engagement in Gambling

Rising Gambling Participation

The report revealed that 27% of young people spent their own money on gambling in the previous year, a significant statistic indicating that gambling has become a prevalent activity among youths. Importantly, these figures encompass both regulated and unregulated forms of gambling, pointing to a range of activities that introduce young people to gambling at an early age.

Common Forms of Youth Gambling

The report highlighted several common gambling activities among youths. Interestingly, many of these activities involve legal forms of gambling or activities that do not fall under strict age restrictions, such as:

Arcade Gaming Machines: 20% of respondents reported using arcade machines like penny pushers or claw machines, which are accessible to younger audiences and may not have explicit gambling restrictions.
Betting with Family and Friends: 11% of young people engaged in informal betting activities, such as placing bets with friends or family members.
Card Games for Money: 5% of respondents reported playing card games with friends or family for monetary stakes.

These findings reveal that while formal gambling is restricted for younger audiences, informal gambling activities and unregulated betting between friends or family play a notable role in exposing young people to gambling at an early age.

Increase in Problem Gambling Among Youth

The UKGC report also observed a marked increase in problem gambling among young people. Using the DSM-IV-MR-J scale, which is designed to assess problem gambling behaviors, the report found that 1.5% of surveyed young people scored 4 or higher, a threshold indicating problem gambling. This is a significant increase from the 0.7% identified in 2023, suggesting that more young people are experiencing gambling-related issues.

Legal vs. Unregulated Gambling Among Young People

Regulated Forms of Gambling

Approximately 21% of young people reported spending their own money on regulated forms of gambling, which include activities that are legally accessible within licensed premises. Regulated gambling forms cover activities such as using gambling machines within premises that verify age and are compliant with legal gambling regulations.

Unregulated Forms of Gambling

Unregulated gambling, involving activities outside the UKGC’s jurisdiction, accounted for 15% of youth gambling engagement. These unregulated activities may not offer the same level of oversight or protection against potential harm, presenting additional risks for young people who engage in them. Unregulated gambling might include social media-based betting or playing in private environments where there are no legal safeguards to protect minors.

The distinction between regulated and unregulated forms of gambling is essential because regulated gambling offers protections like age verification, while unregulated forms often lack these safety measures, putting young people at higher risk of harm.

UKGC’s Enhanced Protections for Young People

Protecting young people from gambling-related harm is a top priority for the UK Gambling Commission. In response to rising concerns, the Commission introduced new protective measures in August 2024. The updated regulations mandate that all gambling licensees conduct age verification checks on individuals appearing to be under 25, an increase from the previous threshold of under 21. This initiative aims to prevent underage gambling by ensuring stricter age-checking practices across all licensed gambling establishments.

Additionally, all land-based gambling operators, including smaller licensees, are now required to perform regular age verification test purchasing. These measures reflect the UKGC’s commitment to reducing youth access to gambling and enhancing protections to ensure that young people cannot access gambling products illegally.

Broader Implications for Parents, Schools, and Communities

Role of Parents and Guardians

While the UKGC has reinforced its regulatory approach, parents and guardians also play a crucial role in preventing youth gambling harm. Engaging in open conversations about the risks of gambling and setting boundaries around money management can help young people develop healthier attitudes toward gambling.

Schools as Educational Hubs

The report suggests that schools can serve as effective platforms for educating young people about the risks associated with gambling. By incorporating gambling awareness programs into the curriculum, schools can equip students with knowledge and strategies to make responsible choices.

Community-Based Support

Communities, including local organizations and youth clubs, can offer support and resources for young people affected by gambling. Local authorities and support networks can collaborate to provide counseling and outreach programs for youth, further building a supportive environment that addresses gambling-related issues.

Insights from Tim Miller, UKGC Executive Director

Tim Miller, the UK Gambling Commission’s Executive Director for Research and Policy, emphasized the importance of the report’s findings in informing regulatory decisions. Miller pointed out that the data aids in strengthening protections for young people and reveals that gambling often occurs informally, beyond regulatory reach. This, he notes, underscores the role of parents, schools, and community groups in addressing gambling behaviors.

Miller also highlighted the UKGC’s efforts to continuously review and adjust regulations to better protect young people from gambling harm. The recent age verification changes demonstrate the UKGC’s commitment to responding to emerging trends in youth gambling, maintaining a proactive stance to minimize risks.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Youth Protection

The 2024 Young People and Gambling Report is a call to action for multiple stakeholders, including government regulators, parents, educators, and community groups, to work together in reducing gambling harm among young people. The report’s findings highlight the complex nature of youth gambling, as well as the potential psychological and financial harm it can cause.

By creating a holistic approach that combines regulatory enforcement, education, and community support, the UK can continue to make strides in safeguarding its young population. As youth gambling behaviors evolve, ongoing research and responsive policy will be essential to ensuring that effective protections remain in place.

Conclusion

The UK Gambling Commission’s 2024 Young People and Gambling Report highlights a growing concern for youth exposure to gambling in the UK, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive protections. The findings show that many young people are already engaging in both regulated and informal gambling activities, often without fully understanding the risks involved. The increase in problem gambling among youths underscores the necessity of coordinated efforts from regulators, parents, schools, and communities to provide meaningful support and preventive education.

While the UKGC has strengthened regulatory safeguards, the report reveals that safeguarding young people from gambling harm is a shared responsibility that requires both policy and societal involvement. Addressing this issue calls for a multi-faceted approach that combines legal protections, parental guidance, and educational outreach. By fostering awareness and responsible attitudes toward gambling, the UK can better equip young people to make informed choices, protecting future generations from the potential harms of early gambling exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK Gambling Commission’s Young People and Gambling Report?
The UKGC’s annual report examining youth exposure and engagement with gambling activities in the UK.

How was the 2024 Young People and Gambling Report conducted?
It was based on surveys completed by 3,869 young people in classrooms between January and June 2024.

What percentage of young people reported gambling in the past year?
About 27% of surveyed young people spent their own money on gambling activities.

What forms of gambling are most common among young people?
Arcade games, betting with friends or family, and playing cards with family are common among youths.

What is the DSM-IV-MR-J scale used for?
This scale measures problem gambling tendencies, helping identify young people at risk of gambling harm.

How has the UKGC increased protections for young people?
The UKGC now requires licensees to check the age of anyone appearing under 25, among other measures.

What role do parents and schools play in preventing youth gambling?
Parents and schools can educate young people about the risks of gambling and help develop healthy attitudes.

How are regulated and unregulated gambling different for young people?
Regulated gambling is monitored and legally compliant, while unregulated gambling lacks oversight and poses higher risks.

What did Tim Miller, UKGC Executive Director, emphasize about youth gambling?
He emphasized the role of data in strengthening youth protections and the need for community efforts to reduce harm.

Why is youth gambling a concern in the UK?
Youth gambling can lead to psychological and financial harm, making it crucial to implement protections and educate young people.