Half Of Older Children Experienced Gambling In Last Year, Regulator

Half of 11 to 17-year-olds experienced betting over the previous year and 30% invested their own money doing so, according to most current figures.


Those taking part in betting with their own money is up from 27% in 2024, the Gambling Commission's yearly Young People and Gambling Report said.


However, the regulator stated the research revealed that it was not kids being encouraged or permitted to bet underage that was driving the boost however rather increased involvement in betting that was either legal or did not require guideline, such as private betting in between good friends.


Each year this report even more enhances understanding of the relationship in between young people and betting


Tim Miller, Gambling Commission


The percentage of kids experiencing issues with their betting was 1.2%, which the commission described as "statistically stable" with 2024's 1.5%.


The study was performed among 3,666 11 to 17-year-olds going to academies, maintained and independent schools in England, Scotland and Wales, with students completing online self-completion studies in class.


The most common kinds of betting that young people spent their own money on remained those that were legal or not age-restricted, the majority of commonly arcade gaming makers such as penny pusher or claw grab devices (21%), followed by placing a bet for money between friends or family (14%) and playing cards with friends or household for money (5%).


Arcade gaming was one of the most common types of gambing among children, the report found (Alamy/PA)


Tim Miller, the Gambling Commission's executive director of research study and policy, said: "Each year this report even more strengthens understanding of the relationship in between youths and betting.


"We have actually seen a boost in participation in betting - 27% in 2024 compared to 30% in 2025.


"The research study reveals that it is not children being encouraged or permitted to gamble minor driving this increase - it is the increased participation in betting that is either legal or does not require policy, such as private wagering between good friends.


"Even with that increased participation, the percentage of those scoring 4 or more on the youth-adapted issue betting screen has actually not increased but has actually moved from 1.5% in 2015 to 1.2% this year, which is classified as .


"Where it connects to regulated forms of gaming, we utilize the data to continuously keep under evaluation and, where required, strengthen the suite of securities for young individuals that we need gambling companies to have in location."


Will Prochaska, who leads the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, stated: "The percentage of children betting and experiencing problems is frightening and driven by ubiquitous marketing pushed to them through sport, video game, and by online influencers.


"If the Government is serious about its manifesto dedication to decrease betting damage it need to act on betting marketing."