In 2025, the Gambling Commission reported that the rate of gambling-related problems among young people aged 11-17 in Great Britain remained stable. Despite this apparent steadiness, there is persistent worry about why the rate has not declined.
The report, titled “Young People and Gambling 2025,” was compiled with data from Ipsos and included responses from 3,666 pupils within the specified age group. It provided key insights into youth gambling habits and the prevalence of gambling-related issues.
A notable finding was that 1.2% of respondents fit the “problem gambling” category, indicating they had engaged in four or more risky gambling behaviors. This was a slight decrease from the previous year’s rate of 1.5%, which the commission considered statistically stable. Additionally, 2.2% of the youth were categorized as “at risk,” having scored two or three in a similar assessment. The remaining 27% showed minimal to no gambling issues.
The evaluation used the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition – Multiple Response Juvenile (DSM-IV-MR-J) screen, a tool designed to identify problematic gambling behaviors in young people. This tool examines factors such as preoccupation with gambling, using gambling as an escape, and gambling-related conflicts with family or friends.
The report also noted that 49% of surveyed pupils engaged in some form of gambling over the past year. Among these, 30% spent their own money on gambling, up from 27% the previous year. This increase was attributed to a rise in unregulated gambling activities, with 18% of young gamblers participating in such activities, up from 15% in 2024.
The most popular forms of gambling involved legal or age-unrestricted products. About 21% of respondents played arcade gaming machines, such as penny pushers, while 14% placed bets with friends or family, and 5% played cards for money in similar social settings. When considering regulated gambling activities, 23% of respondents spent their own money. However, excluding arcade gaming machines, this figure decreased to 6%, consistent with the previous year’s data.
The report highlighted concerns over the influence of social media advertising on young people’s gambling habits. Nearly half of the respondents reported seeing gambling adverts on social media platforms at least once a week, with 47% encountering ads within apps. Boys were particularly exposed, with 53% seeing ads on YouTube, compared to 31% of girls.
Influencers promoting gambling content on social media was another issue raised. Of those who encountered gambling content, 31% identified influencers as the source. This visibility raises questions about the impact of such promotions on youth gambling behaviors.
When questioned about why they choose to gamble, 78% of those spending their own money on gambling said it was because they considered it a fun activity. Additionally, 36% indicated they gambled to win something, even if a small prize, while 34% aimed to win money.
Family influences also played a role in youth gambling patterns. About 29% of respondents reported observing family members gamble, with 7% noting it caused arguments or tension at home. Conversely, 9% said that family gambling helped fund activities such as holidays, illustrating a complex dynamic within households.
Tim Miller, the Gambling Commission’s executive director of research and policy, commented on the findings, emphasizing the role of legally permitted gambling activities in the stable rates of youth gambling. He noted that the increase in gambling was mainly due to participation in legal forms or those not requiring regulation, such as private betting among friends. Despite the increased participation, the proportion of youth facing serious gambling problems did not rise, maintaining a stable rate of 1.2%.
Miller stressed the regulator’s commitment to using this data to bolster protection measures for young people. He indicated that where regulated gambling is concerned, the commission continuously reviews and strengthens protections required from gambling companies to safeguard young individuals.
While the commission’s findings offer some reassurance that youth gambling problems have not intensified, the stability of these rates poses questions about the effectiveness of current interventions. There is ongoing debate about whether more stringent measures are needed to drive down the figures further and to address unregulated gambling, which seems to be a significant factor in the increase of young gamblers spending their own money.
Critics may argue that a more proactive approach is needed, focusing not just on regulation but also on broader educational efforts to inform young people about the risks associated with gambling. They emphasize the importance of fostering environments where gambling is not normalized and ensuring that young people are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
The industry’s role in this issue is also under scrutiny. Companies are urged to take responsibility for the content they promote, particularly on platforms heavily used by young people. There is a call for collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies, government entities, educational institutions, and the gambling industry to create a comprehensive strategy that effectively reduces youth exposure to and participation in gambling activities.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that future reports show not only stability but a significant decline in youth gambling problems, reflecting successful prevention and intervention efforts.
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