UKGC Says 49% of 11 to 17-Year-Olds Have Experienced Gambling  

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published its latest Young People and Gambling Report. The 2025 edition of the study suggests that a significant portion of minors have engaged in gambling in the past 12 months.

The Study Suggests an Increase in Participation

Young People and Gambling is an annual study on younger people’s interaction with gambling. The study is focused on 11 to 17-year-olds and probes whether they have been exposed to or participated in gambling in the past year.

The latest edition of the study is based on 3,666 respondents in that age group. The study was conducted in schools and academies across England, Scotland, and Wales.

After examining the students’ responses, the UKGC determined that a staggering 49% of 11 to 17-year-olds had experienced gambling in the previous 12 months. Additionally, the study suggests that almost a third of all respondents (30%) had spent their own money on gambling in the previous 12 months.

The UKGC added that 1.2% of respondents experienced problems with their gambling, which was roughly in line with 1.5% in 2024.

Since the UK employs strict regulations to prevent gambling operators from taking minors’ money, the most common types of gambling activity were non-restricted products, such as penny pusher or claw grab machines (21%). Another 14% of respondents simply placed a bet for money between their friends or family. Lastly, 5% of respondents wagered on playing cards with their friends or family.

UKGC Prohibits Minors from Engaging in Regulated Forms of Gambling

The UKGC continues its efforts to prevent minors from accessing gambling products. To that end, licensed operators are required to carry out robust age verification checks to ensure their customers are of age. Additionally, operator staff should always conduct checks on youthful-looking individuals, including any customer who appears to be under 25 years old.

In the meantime, the commission vowed to continue its separate studies on early exposure to gambling and the effect of gateway products on children, young people and young adults. These can include products such as the controversial video game loot boxes, social gaming, prize draws, and other similar products.

The Increase in Participation Is Not Due to Operator Oversight

Tim Miller, the UKGC’s executive director of research and policy, commented on the results of the latest Young People and Gambling Report, saying that it continues to reinforce understanding of the relationship between young people and gambling.

He noted that the latest study suggests a 3% increase in participation in gambling from 2024. However, Miller reassured readers that this increase is not driven by children being encouraged or allowed to gamble but is rather due to increased participation in unrestricted gambling formats, such as arcades and friendly games.   

Even with that increased participation, the percentage of those scoring four or more on the youth-adapted problem gambling screen has not increased but has moved from 1.5 percent last year to 1.2 percent this year, which is classed as statistically stable.

Tim Miller, executive director of research and policy, UKGC

Miller added that his team remains committed to reviewing and strengthening protections related to regulated forms of gambling.

The full report is available on the regulator’s official website.