UK Scouts Partner with Ygam to Tackle Youth Gambling Risks

The UK’s Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (Ygam) has announced a partnership with Scouting UK that will see young scouts learn about the dangers of gambling and how to make informed decisions that will protect them from the harms of problem gambling.

Ygam will sponsor a Sports Enthusiast Badge for 10-14 year-olds with the requirements for attaining the badge including completing activities that will focus on the relationship between sports, gaming, and gambling.

Speaking of the initiative,  Dr. Jane Rigbye, Chief Executive Officer at Ygam, said:

Ray Newman-Smith, Lead Volunteer – 1st Willingdon Scout Troop, added:

“The thing that struck me the most during and more so at the end of the session was how recognisable advertising brands were to the Scouts from brands that sponsor sporting events. I was surprised that nearly all of my scouts knew most of the sports betting companies which a worry is considering the Scouts age range is from 10.5 years to 14.5 years!”

Gambling Trends Among Minors

The new initiative comes following UKGC statistics for 2023 that revealed that 48% of 11-17 year-olds have had some experience with gambling in the past 12 months. The UK gambling stats also revealed that 15% followed and gambling operator on social media while 26% of the same age group spend their own money on gambling.

The UK Government had previously stated that it would not include so-called loot boxes in gambling reforms. But under growing pressure it has now laid out new principles with regards to the purchase of loot boxes. These must only be sold under parental guidance but it stopped short of banning the sale to children.

Olivia Richardson

Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.