UK Gambling Commission Report Reveals Alarming Rise in Problem Gambling Among Children
New data released by the UK Gambling Commission has raised alarm over the growing number of children classified as suffering from gambling problems. The report indicates that around 85,000 children in the UK are now considered at risk, though the figure is based on extrapolated data from a sample of schoolchildren rather than the entire population of 11 to 17-year-olds.
Gambling Habits Among Children: Shifting Trends and Unregulated Activities
The latest findings come from the UKGC’s Young People and Gambling Report 2024, which reveals a concerning rise in the number of children experiencing gambling-related issues. According to the report, 1.5% of children surveyed now score 4+ on the DSM-IV-MR-J scale, a diagnostic tool used to gauge the likelihood of a gambling problem. This is a sharp increase from 0.7% in the previous survey.
The data, gathered from 3,869 schoolchildren through online self-completion surveys conducted between January and June 2024, highlights several key trends. Notably, many of the gambling activities children engage in are not illegal or age-restricted. The report found that 20% of children had used arcade machines, such as penny pushers and claw grabbers, while 11% had placed informal bets with family and friends. Furthermore, 5% reported playing card games with their peers, a habit that also falls outside of regulatory restrictions.
The fact that these activities aren’t age-restricted raises serious questions about the scope of gambling exposure for young people. Despite being unregulated, these gambling-like activities can still result in significant harm, as highlighted by the report’s findings.
Impact of Gambling on School Performance and Well-being
In addition to the rising figures, the study reveals that gambling is affecting some children’s education and social lives. Approximately 6% of respondents who had gambled acknowledged that it had negatively impacted their schoolwork, while 5% reported missing school entirely due to their gambling habits. These statistics illustrate the potential long-term consequences of gambling behaviors that start at an early age, underscoring the need for more effective interventions.
A Call to Action for Parents, Schools, and Policymakers
Tim Miller, the UKGC’s Executive Director for Research and Policy, emphasized the importance of understanding how even unregulated gambling activities can lead to harm. “This report highlights that young people often engage in gambling activities that don’t require regulation, such as betting with friends or playing arcade machines,” Miller noted. “Yet, these activities can still cause real harm, and we must take action to address them.”
He called on parents, schools, and community groups to become more aware of the risks and consequences of gambling on young people, urging them to identify which activities pose the greatest danger to children’s well-being.
As the debate continues about how best to regulate gambling for younger audiences, the findings of the UKGC’s report shed light on the need for comprehensive solutions that address both legal and informal gambling activities. It is clear that protecting children from gambling harm requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond the regulation of traditional, age-restricted gambling products.
The Path Forward: A Joint Effort for Safer Gambling Practices
Moving forward, it is essential that efforts to protect young people from gambling harm be supported by all sectors of society. Policymakers must work closely with educators, health professionals, and parents to develop strategies that minimize the risks associated with gambling, both online and offline. Additionally, the gambling industry itself must be held accountable for promoting responsible behaviors and ensuring that gambling products do not inadvertently target or harm vulnerable populations, such as children.
The UK Gambling Commission’s report provides an urgent reminder of the need for continuous vigilance in the fight against gambling-related harm among children. The challenge now is to take the necessary steps to ensure that young people are not exposed to the potential dangers of gambling, whether through legal or informal activities.
