The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published its 2023 Young People and Gambling Report revealing that 26% of 11-17 year-olds spent their own money on gambling in the past year.
The annual study usually surveys children between the ages of 11-16, but this year also included 17 year-olds who are still in the education system.
Key Highlights of the Study
Gambling Spend
26% of 11-17 year-olds spent money on gambling – down from 31% in 2022
4% of children spend money on age restricted gambling products – down from 5% in 2022
Problem Gambling
0.7% of those surveyed identified as problem gamblers – down from 0.9% in 2022
1.5 % of those surveyed identified as at-risk gamblers – down from 2.4% in 2022
16 year-olds had the highest rate of gambling at 26.9%
12 year-olds had the highest number of at risk gamblers at 2.3%
13 year-olds had the highest number of problem gamblers at 1.9%
According to the latest UK gambling statistics, the 16-24 year old age bracket shows the highest prevalence of problem gambling with 1% of gamblers this age reporting having issues
Gambling Ad Exposure
55% of children saw gambling ads offline – down from 66% in 2022
53% of children saw gambling ads online – down from 63% in 2022
The survey noted that the majority of gambling spend by children was on products that are not age restricted in the UK. It also listed a breakdown for activity on these products.
Non-age Restricted Gambling Activity
19% played arcade gaming machines such as claw grab machines
11% placed a bet for money among family and friends
5% gambled when playing cards with family and friends
UK Gambling White Paper Reforms
Earlier this year, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lucy Frazer MP gave a statement on proposals included in the long-awaited white paper on gambling reform in the UK. These reforms are set to include more restrictions ensuring children cannot access gambling in any form.
In its statement published alongside the report, the UKGC said that these measures would include removing the current exemption from carrying out age verification test purchasing for small gambling premises. It also noted that an amendment to the good practice code forcing licensees to check the age of any customer who appears to be under 25 years of age, rather than under 21 years of age.
Ciaran McEneaney Gambling industry analyst with over a decade of experience working with some of the biggest names in the sports-betting, gambling, poker & casino industry.
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