The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) recently unveiled the latest edition of its Young People and Gambling Report for 2025, revealing concerning statistics about gambling among minors. This annual study, which targets the 11 to 17-year-old demographic, indicates that nearly half of this age group has engaged in some form of gambling over the past year.
Based on data collected from 3,666 participants across schools and academies in England, Scotland, and Wales, the report highlights that 49% of those surveyed had encountered gambling activities within the last 12 months. Furthermore, about 30% of respondents reported spending their own money on gambling during this period. These figures are alarming, given the strict regulations in place to prevent gambling by minors.
The UKGC’s findings also show that 1.2% of participants indicated they had experienced gambling-related problems, a slight improvement from the 1.5% reported in 2024. While this percentage remains small, it underscores the need for continued vigilance in managing young people’s exposure to gambling.
Interestingly, the most common forms of gambling among minors involve non-restricted activities. The study notes that 21% of respondents participated in games like penny pusher or claw grab machines, which are generally accessible to minors. Additionally, 14% of the surveyed adolescents placed bets with friends or family, and 5% gambled on card games within these same personal circles.
The UKGC mandates that licensed gambling operators enforce rigorous age verification processes to prevent underage gambling. Staff members are instructed to verify the ages of younger-looking customers, particularly those who might appear to be under 25 years old. Despite these measures, the report suggests that the increase in gambling participation is not primarily due to lapses by operators. Instead, it is attributed to minors engaging more frequently in non-regulated gambling activities, such as informal games and arcade amusements.
Tim Miller, the UKGC’s executive director of research and policy, addressed the report’s revelations, emphasizing that the rise in gambling participation is not a result of operators failing to uphold their responsibilities. Instead, the uptick is linked to increased involvement in informal and arcade-based gambling, which does not fall under the same regulatory scrutiny as traditional gambling outlets. Miller reassured that despite the rise in participation, the percentage of youth demonstrating problem gambling behaviors has not significantly increased, a sign that current preventive measures may be having a positive effect.
“We’re seeing more young people engage in forms of gambling that are similar to traditional social activities, such as playing games at an arcade or betting casually with friends. We remain focused on enhancing protections against regulated gambling activities,” he elaborated, indicating the commission’s commitment to continuously review and bolster protective measures.
The report also touches on the UKGC’s ongoing research into the early exposure of children and young people to gambling, particularly through gateway products. These include video game loot boxes, social gaming, and prize draw mechanisms, which have sparked debate about their potential to acclimate minors to gambling-like behaviors.
In light of these findings, some industry observers argue for a more nuanced understanding of what constitutes gambling among minors. They advocate for distinguishing between informal, harmless play and gambling behavior that poses real risks to young people. While the UKGC’s focus remains on regulated gambling, there is a growing call for a broader societal approach, encompassing both education and parental guidance, to mitigate the risks associated with these gateway activities.
Conversely, others contend that the increase in reported gambling activities among minors underscores the need for even stricter regulations and enforcement of existing laws. They argue that any exposure to gambling at a young age could potentially lead to more serious gambling issues in adulthood, necessitating a more proactive approach from both regulators and the community.
The UKGC’s report serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges in safeguarding young people from the potential harms of gambling. As the landscape of gaming and gambling continues to evolve with technology, maintaining effective regulatory frameworks and public awareness campaigns becomes increasingly important.
The full Young People and Gambling Report is accessible on the UKGC’s official website. This annual publication remains a vital resource for understanding and addressing the complex relationship between young people and gambling in today’s society. As these discussions continue, the UKGC and other stakeholders will need to adapt strategies to protect the wellbeing of young individuals while acknowledging the changing nature of play and entertainment.
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