Alarming: Nearly Half of UK Youth Participate in Forms of Gambling

The UK’s Gambling Commission has released its 2025 Young People and Gambling report, and the numbers are troubling. Almost half - 49% of 11- to 17-year-olds - admitted they had taken part in some form of gambling in the past year. The findings come from the research company Ipsos, which surveyed more than 3,600 students across Britain, providing a detailed look at how often young people get involved in different forms of gambling in everyday life.

Stats show a predominant preference for low-stakes bets like arcade machines or wagering small items with friends. The author of the study breaks it down further: 21% spent money on funfair-style games such as penny pushers, 14% on private bets with family or peers, and 5% on card games involving money or prizes.

These activities often start innocently, usually during family holidays or school breaks. Essentially, they introduce the addictive loop of chance, reward, and “try again” early on. Boys showed higher participation rates than girls, and the numbers climbed with age — teens aged 15 and older were more likely to join in. About 30% used their own pocket money, pointing to easy access in public spots without strict checks.

Concerns Over Gambling Habits Among British Teens

While the overall participation held steady, the report notes a minor drop in severe issues, with problem gambling at 1.2% - down from 1.5% but not a big enough shift to celebrate. This still means a notable chunk of kids might be dealing with urges to bet more or hiding their habits. 

Family exposure has a significant influence over the way young Brits see gambling. Roughly one in four teenagers saw parents or siblings gamble. In some cases, they tie gambling to positive outcomes like extra treats, while in others, it is a breeding ground for arguments at home.

Advertising is another worry. The report only touches lightly on digital habits, but it’s hard to ignore the sheer volume of betting ads today — from sports broadcasts to online pop-ups. The constant exposure doesn’t just normalise gambling; it can make it look exciting, even harmless, before young viewers are old enough to understand the risks.

Implications for Regulations and Online Casinos in the UK

Online casinos in the UK might face potential headaches despite the established strict measures regarding KYC. Licensed platforms, already navigating stake caps on slots from recent laws, might see demands for beefed-up safeguards. 

Tools like real-time age verification or algorithms spotting unusual patterns could become mandatory to keep minors out. The Gambling Act's framework aims to protect, but this new data might prompt adjustments, especially as post-Brexit rules evolve.

Tim Miller, Executive Director of Research and Policy at the UK Gambling Commission, noted: “Each year this report further strengthens understanding of the relationship between young people and gambling.” 

His comment reflects growing concern among authorities that minors may be finding ways around existing protections. Alongside regulatory pressure, many believe schools will need stronger awareness programs so that teens can recognize and resist risky habits early on.