‘Significant decrease’ in UK gambling youngsters’ count in 2024 Vs. 2022

Sankunni K November 13, 2024

SiGMA news

Youth gambling participation has decreased notably in the United Kingdom over the past three years, as seen in recent data from the UK Gambling Commission. The report titled “Young People and Gambling 2024: Official Statistics” shows a drop from 31 percent in 2022 to 26 percent in 2023 and 27 percent in 2024. This trend, highlighted as a “significant decrease” in the Gambling Commission’s annual report produced with Ipsos, reflects evolving youth gambling behaviours, with fewer young people spending their own money on gambling.

The , based on responses from 3,869 students aged 11-17, shows a stabilisation in 2024 following a more marked decrease in 2023. The types of gambling young people engaged in—largely low-stakes, accessible games like arcade machines and informal betting with friends—remain consistent, yet overall participation levels continue to trend downward. However, one area of increase is regulated gambling, excluding arcade games, which rose slightly from 4 percent in 2023 to 6 percent in 2024, suggesting shifts in types of engagement among young gamblers.

Key findings across three years

The report documents various gambling behaviours, noting a decrease in friendly betting and social gambling over the three-year period. Arcade gaming machines remain the most common gambling activity among young people (20 percent in 2024, down from 22 percent in 2022), while betting with friends and family has decreased (11 percent in 2023 and 2024, down from 15 percent in 2022).

In contrast to the decline in gambling rates, the number of young people identified as ‘problem gamblers’ has increased. The DSM-IV-MR-J screen, which adapts adult problem gambling metrics for youth, identified 1.5 percent of young gamblers as experiencing problem gambling in 2024, compared to 0.7 percent in 2023 and 0.9 percent in 2022. This rising rate indicates that while fewer young people may be gambling overall, some are engaging in ways that negatively impact their well-being.

Social and emotional impacts

The emotional toll of gambling has been noted over the years, with the 2024 report showing 9 percent of young gamblers admitting to lying to family or friends about their gambling, up from 5 percent in 2023. In addition, 8 percent reported gambling-related arguments at home. These findings suggest a growing need for youth-focused interventions, as gambling behaviours can put a strain on young people’s relationships and mental health.

Feelings of sadness and guilt about gambling have fluctuated across years, with a steady 8 percent reporting guilt in 2023 and 2024, while feelings of sadness have increased slightly, affecting around 5 percent in 2024. Positive emotions related to gambling also grew, with 27 percent reporting happiness when gambling in 2024, compared to 17 percent in 2023 and 21 percent in 2022.

Path forward: Regulatory and community support efforts

The UK Gambling Commission’s findings point to the importance of targeted support and regulation to address these evolving trends. Initiatives around financial education, responsible behaviour, and parental involvement are being recommended to help young people make informed choices regarding gambling. The report also stresses the need for consistent support for at-risk youth, with the goal of sustaining the declines seen in youth gambling participation.

As UK regulators and child welfare advocates continue their work to safeguard young people, the Gambling Commission anticipates further research to refine its policies, aiming for a balanced approach that both limits gambling access and increases support for those affected. The full 2024 report, available on the UK Gambling Commission’s website, provides comprehensive insights into youth gambling behaviours, offering data essential for shaping future policies.

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