Half Of Older Children Experienced Gambling In In 2015, Regulator

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


Those getting involved in betting with their own cash is up from 27% in 2024, the Gambling Commission's yearly Youth and Gambling Report said.


However, the regulator said the research study revealed that it was not being encouraged or permitted to bet underage that was driving the increase but rather increased participation in betting that was either legal or did not need regulation, such as private wagering in between friends.


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


Tim Miller, Gambling Commission


The percentage of kids experiencing problems with their betting was 1.2%, which the commission referred to as "statistically steady" with 2024's 1.5%.


The study was brought out among 3,666 11 to 17-year-olds going to academies, preserved and independent schools in England, Scotland and Wales, with pupils finishing online self-completion surveys in class.


The most common types of gambling that youths spent their own cash on remained those that were legal or not age-restricted, the majority of typically arcade gaming makers such as penny pusher or claw grab devices (21%), followed by putting a bet for money in between pals or family (14%) and playing cards with buddies or family for cash (5%).


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


Tim Miller, the Gambling Commission's executive director of research and policy, stated: "Each year this report further reinforces understanding of the relationship in between youths and betting.


"We have seen a boost in involvement in gambling - 27% in 2024 compared to 30% in 2025.


"The research shows that it is not kids being encouraged or permitted to bet underage driving this increase - it is the increased involvement in betting that is either legal or does not need policy, such as private betting between buddies.


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


"Where it connects to regulated forms of gaming, we utilize the data to continuously keep under review and, where required, enhance the suite of defenses for youths that we need gambling business to have in place."


Will Prochaska, who leads the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, stated: "The proportion of kids gambling and experiencing issues is frightening and driven by common marketing pressed to them through sport, video game, and by online influencers.


"If the Government is severe about its manifesto dedication to lower betting damage it must take action on gambling marketing."