Half Of Older Children Experienced Gambling In In 2015, Regulator

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


However, the regulator stated the research study revealed that it was not children being motivated or allowed to bet underage that was driving the boost but instead increased involvement in gambling that was either legal or did not require policy, such as personal betting between friends.


Each year this report even more strengthens understanding of the relationship in between youths and gambling


Tim Miller, Gambling Commission


The percentage of children experiencing problems with their gaming was 1.2%, which the commission explained as "statistically steady" with 2024's 1.5%.


The survey was performed amongst 3,666 11 to 17-year-olds going to academies, maintained and independent schools in England, Scotland and Wales, with students finishing online self-completion surveys in class.


The most typical types of gambling that youths invested their own money on stayed those that were legal or not age-restricted, the majority of typically arcade video gaming machines such as cent pusher or claw grab machines (21%), followed by putting a bet for money between friends or family (14%) and playing cards with friends or family for money (5%).


Arcade video gaming was among the most typical forms of gambing amongst youngsters, the report found (Alamy/PA)


Tim Miller, the executive director of research study and policy, said: "Each year this report even more enhances understanding of the relationship in between youths and gaming.


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


"The research study reveals that it is not kids being encouraged or permitted to gamble minor driving this increase - it is the increased involvement in gambling that is either legal or does not require policy, such as personal betting in between buddies.


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


"Where it associates with regulated kinds of betting, we utilize the data to constantly keep under review and, where required, reinforce the suite of securities for young people that we require betting companies to have in place."


Will Prochaska, who leads the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, said: "The proportion of kids betting and experiencing problems is frightening and driven by ubiquitous advertising pushed to them through sport, computer system video games, and by online influencers.


"If the Government is major about its manifesto dedication to lower gambling damage it need to do something about it on gambling marketing."