A new report from the UKGC shows that 31% of 11-16-year-olds have engaged in some form of gambling within the past year with their own money. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Large selection of gambling options
A recent survey examining underage gambling in the UK revealed some troubling points of discussion. The UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) annual Youth and Gambling Report, published on Thursday, revealed that 31% of 11-16-year-olds have engaged in some form of gambling within the past year and have used their own money to do so.
The most common types of gambling for this group were either legal or had no age restrictions, including arcade games such as claw machines or mini-pays, betting with family and friends, and playing card games with money on the line.
23% of minors spend their gambling money on tighter options
The report showed that 23% of minors spend their gambling money on more regulated options such as slot machines, esports betting, scratch card, online betting, and online casino games.
Insights into underage gamblers
Considering the age group of 11-16 years as a whole, the report He said about 0.9% of them are classified as problem gamblers. Another 2.4% are considered to be at-risk gamblers, and 27% are classified as no-problem gamblers.
78% of those surveyed said they gambled because it was fun
Explaining why they engage in some form of real money gambling, 78% of those surveyed said they gambled because it was fun. About 28% reported being affected by watching family members in their homes gambling, while 7% said they gamble because of stress or arguments at home. Another 11% said they were motivated after seeing a loved one use their gambling winnings to pay for things like trips and vacations.
UKGC takes its role very seriously
Speaking about this year’s report, the UKGC stated: “While key data on regulated age-restricted products is encouraging, it is clear that there is a group that continues to struggle with gambling.”
The Committee will continue to study the results and act on them as appropriate; The main objective of the regulator is to stop the harm associated with gambling and to create a safe environment for gambling.
A review by the UK government of current gambling legislation is expected to lead to stricter regulation of gambling operators to help protect gamblers.
Some of the things the UKGC has already done include taking significant action against any licensees with substandard social responsibility regulations, restricting online gambling, banning the use of credit cards for gambling, and focusing more on age and identification requirements.
