British gambling regulatory body and anti-gambling campaigners remain concerned about the participation of underage individuals in the gambling sector.
In October, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) published a report to provide further details about the gambling behaviours of young people in the age group from 11 to 16 on the territory of England, Scotland and Wales. As Casino Guardian has revealed, the report was conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the UKGC and was aimed at getting more details about the gambling habits that local underage individuals have.
An overall number of 2,943 children between 11 and 16 years of age from 124 schools in England, Wales and Scotland took part in the annual survey of the commission that was willing to complete the profile of a representative sample of children who are part of the cited age group.
According to the latest survey commissioned by the gambling regulator of the UK, 1.7% of children between 11 and 16 years of age are categorised as gambling addicts. A further 2.7% are considered to be at risk of getting hooked on gambling. There has been no change in the problem gambling rates of adolescent problem gamblers in comparison to the 2018 rates. However, the percentage of 11-16 year olds who are considered to be at risk increased by 0.5% from the 2.2% rate registered in 2018.
New 2019 Survey Monitors Young People’s Engagement with Gambling
As the major UK gambling watchdog revealed at the time, 11% of 11-16 year olds revealed that they spent their own money on gambling in the seven days preceding the survey. Despite the figure represented a 3% decline from the 14% rate measured in the previous year, it still remains relatively high.
The UKGC also found that 5% of children between 11 and 16 years placed a private bet for money over the week prior to taking part in the survey. A further 3% were found to have played cards for money with friends in the same period of time. Slot machines, which are also known as fruit machines, also remain popular among youngsters, with 4% of the children who participated in the survey acknowledging they have played the machines in the past seven days.
The scratchcards offered by the National Lottery also seem to be a popular form of gambling among underage individuals. In addition, two percent of the children between 11 and 16 year olds said they have played the main National Lottery draw (the Lotto) in the seven days prior to taking part in the survey.
When it comes to digital gambling operations, a significant growth has been registered in online gambling. Recent changes in technologies have transformed the players’ interaction with the sector, no matter if it comes to adult or underage ones.
The Young People and Gambling survey from 2019 has also brought some clarity regarding the participation in online activities of 11-16 year olds. According to the data revealed in the report, 7% of the young people between 11 and 16 years of age have ever gambled online. Moreover, 3% of the interviewed participants confirmed they have gambled on the Internet in the seven days preceding the survey. The percentage rate of children who have gambled online without their parents’ permission remains relatively small – 2%.
Gambling Addiction Fuels Serious Concerns Due to Rising Problem Gambling Rates
Gambling addiction has been a serious concern of the UK gambling regulators and non-profit charity organisations that have been helping children and adults suffering from compulsive gambling. In fact, the number of people who have been seeking professional help to treat their addiction, despite the stricter regulatory regime that the Government introduced in 2019.
As Casino Guardian recently reported, the National Health Service (NHS) reported that a total of 379 people were admitted to hospital in relation to problem gambling behaviour. What they found very concerning is the fact that there was a 28% rise in the number of admissions of people who had been diagnosed as pathological gambling addicts in comparison to the figures registered in 2015/16.
- Author
Daniel Williams
