1. Home>
  2. Regulation>

UKGC Study Finds that 26% of Minors Spend Money on Gambling

0.7% of children are problem gamblers

UKGC Study Finds that 26% of Minors Spend Money on Gambling - Thursday, November 16th, 2023 6:59
Claw machine gambling UKGC Study Finds that 26% of Minors Spend Money on Gambling
Claw machines and penny pushers the most popular forms of gambling among minors
UKGC Study Finds that 26% of Minors Spend Money on Gambling its 2023 Young People and Gambling Report revealing that 26% of 11-17 year-olds spent their own money on gambling in the past year.

The annual study usually surveys children between the ages of 11-16, but this year also included 17 year-olds who are still in the education system.

Key Highlights of the Study

Gambling Spend

  • 26% of 11-17 year-olds spent money on gambling – down from 31% in 2022
  • 4% of children spend money on age restricted gambling products – down from 5% in 2022

Problem Gambling

  • 0.7% of those surveyed identified as problem gamblers – down from 0.9% in 2022
    • UKGC Study Finds that 26% of Minors Spend Money on Gambling UKGC Study Finds that 26% of Minors Spend Money on Gambling
  • 12 year-olds had the highest number of at risk gamblers at 2.3%
    • UKGC Study Finds that 26% of Minors Spend Money on Gambling

According to the latest UK gambling statistics, the 16-24 year old age bracket shows the highest prevalence of problem gambling with 1% of gamblers this age reporting having issues

Gambling Ad Exposure

  • 55% of children saw gambling ads offline – down from 66% in 2022
  • 53% of children saw gambling ads online – down from 63% in 2022

The survey noted that the majority of gambling spend by children was on products that are not age restricted in the UK. It also listed a breakdown for activity on these products.

Non-age Restricted Gambling Activity

  • 19% played arcade gaming machines such as claw grab machines
  • 11% placed a bet for money among family and friends
    • UKGC Study Finds that 26% of Minors Spend Money on Gambling

UK Gambling White Paper Reforms

UKGC Study Finds that 26% of Minors Spend Money on Gambling on proposals included in the long-awaited white paper on gambling reform in the UK. These reforms are set to include more restrictions ensuring children cannot access gambling in any form.

UKGC Study Finds that 26% of Minors Spend Money on Gambling
Ciaran McEneaney

Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.