Key Moments:
- Gambling participation among young people rose to 30 percent in 2025, up from 27 percent the previous year
- Problem gambling rates remained unchanged at 1.2 percent
- Most of the increase occurred outside regulated gambling, with activities like arcade machines and private bets driving the trend
Participation Up, Harm Remains Level
A recent report from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) highlights shifts in how young people engage with gambling. The data indicates that 30 percent of youth participated in gambling activities in 2025, an uptick from 27 percent in the previous year. Despite this increase in activity, the rate of individuals classified as problem gamblers stayed consistent at 1.2 percent. This disconnect challenges long-held assumptions about the direct link between gambling activity and harm.
Unregulated Activities Dominate the Rise
Much of the increased participation took place outside the boundaries of licensed gambling. Arcade machines, private wagers, and informal card games among friends accounted for much of this activity. These environments, often seen as harmless, were the primary arenas for the uptick in engagement, rather than underage involvement in regulated products. The findings spark debates about the forms of harm that may arise when early gambling experiences stem from unregulated social contexts.
A survey of 3,666 young people aged 11 to 17 across England, Scotland, and Wales served as the basis for the report. It differentiated between exposure to gambling and more intentional involvement, as well as distinguishing between regulated and informal gambling activities. According to the data, 49 percent of respondents had engaged in some gambling over the past year, with 30 percent spending their own money and 18 percent taking part in unregulated gambling. However, these behaviors were primarily associated with non-licensed products such as arcade games and private bets.
Key Drivers Behind Growth in Youth Gambling
The chief drivers behind rising youth gambling stem from common, day-to-day activities. Arcade machines in popular locations like seaside towns and shopping centers remain the most common entry to gambling for young people. Fourteen percent made private bets with friends or family, normalizing these behaviors within a regular social context.
Social media exposure also played a role, with nearly half of respondents seeing gambling-related content weekly. Boys were more likely to encounter such content through video platforms or at sports events, and one third noted introduction to gambling content by influencers, usually portrayed as entertainment.
Family influence was notable, with 29 percent of respondents observing gambling at home. The impact varied, with some reporting tension and others citing positive effects like funding for holidays or activities. These settings help form early perceptions of gambling, well before legal age.
Gambling Harm Rates Remain Consistent
Despite increased participation, the proportion of young people considered problem gamblers stayed at 1.2 percent, mirroring the previous year. An additional 2.2 percent were identified as at-risk. This pattern suggests that greater involvement in low-stakes gambling, such as arcade play and private wagers, may not translate to corresponding increases in harm. Licensed venues have implemented tighter age checks and improved controls, likely acting as a buffer against underage gambling harm.
Some experts note that the current assessment tools might not fully capture evolving digital behaviors, such as gambling-like elements in video games or social platforms. These instances often do not involve actual monetary stakes, but they can still influence attitudes towards risk and reward.
Industry and Regulatory Responses
Industry operators and regulators are responding to these developments with new strategies. Regulators have reinforced checks for individuals appearing under the age of twenty-five and extended compliance measures across all land-based licensees. These actions aim to narrow the exposure gap within regulated environments.
Yet, unregulated activities like arcade gaming and private betting persist outside enforceable boundaries. Charities have urged more robust educational strategies and parental guidance to address risks developing in these informal settings.
Expert voices such as Dan Waugh from Regulus Partners emphasize careful interpretation of survey findings. According to Waugh, “a flawed gambling survey for Great Britain could fuel tax hikes and stricter rules.” He questions whether existing measures accurately assess the most relevant forms of harm, underscoring a growing call for deeper behavioral understanding within the youth demographic.
Operators have adapted by tightening age verification, augmenting staff training, and prioritizing safe gambling initiatives. Collaborative approaches are gaining traction as a means of achieving sustained progress over time.
Implications for Policy Development
The rise in youth gambling participation, paired with stable harm rates, presents a complex policy challenge. Regulators are spotlighting early-stage behaviors that now emerge in environments untouched by current legislation. Long-term studies that track how informal exposure evolves into adult behavior are now seen as essential.
For operators, strong compliance is necessary but insufficient. Supporting deeper research and extending risk education to young adults are potential avenues for leadership. The data also points to influences outside the industry’s control, such as family habits and online trends, highlighting the need for multi-faceted protective measures.
The central paradox – increased participation without a parallel rise in harm – identifies critical gaps in knowledge for both industry and regulators. Bridging these gaps through evidence and collaboration will define the effectiveness of future policy changes.
Key Survey Results
| Metric | 2025 Value | Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| Participation (own money) | 30 percent | 27 percent |
| Experienced any gambling | 49 percent | Not stated |
| Unregulated activity | 18 percent | Not stated |
| Problem gambling rate | 1.2 percent | 1.2 percent |
| At-risk rate | 2.2 percent | Not stated |
- Author
Daniel Williams
