UNDERAGE GAMBLING

The latest data from the UK Gambling Commission gives us a comprehensive insight into underage gambling. A total of 3,453 participants aged 11 to 17 from England, Scotland, and Wales were surveyed to assess gambling habits and find common trends in youth. 

It turns out that 26 percent of young people in this age group reported spending their own money on gambling activities in the twelve months preceding the survey. 19 percent of young people spent their money on playing arcade gaming machines, such as penny pusher or claw grab machines within the last year. Additionally, 11 percent engaged in betting for money among friends or family, while 5 percent participated in playing cards for money.

The data highlights significant media exposure to gambling, with 55% encountering offline and 53% online gambling adverts. The main channels were:

TV - 47%

Apps - 45%

Social media - 40%

Family influence also plays a role, with 81 percent of those with family gambling exposure reporting adverts. The commonly recalled adverts were for:

Lotteries - 43%

Betting - 36%

Bingo - 35% 

81% responders claimed adverts didn't prompt gambling, but 7 percent admitted otherwise, rising to 13 percent for recent gamblers. These findings underscore the pervasive impact of media on underage gambling behaviors.

The latest report from UKGC reveals a significant decline in underage gambling when compared to previous years. There is a 5% decrease in 11 to 17-year-olds engaging in gambling activities with their own money since 2022, dropping from 31% to 26%. 

Arcade gaming machines and betting among friends or family remain the most prevalent activities, with a decrease from 2022 at 22% to 19% and 15% to 11%, respectively. 

There has also been a shift towards regulated forms of gambling (19%) over unregulated activities (14%), which indicates changing preferences among young individuals. However, this implies that more youth are prone to circumventing age restrictions to engage in gambling. The data underscores the need for increased regulatory measures to prevent youth access to gambling venues and online gambling platforms.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) implemented stringent measures in 2019 to address the persistent issue of underage gambling. Both new and existing online casinos are obligated to verify the age of newly registered users before permitting any betting or financial transactions. This initiative builds upon the existing Know Your Customer/Client (KYC) process where users must submit photographs or scans of their ID. The 2019 decision aligns with UKGC’s longstanding commitment to minimize the risk of underage online gambling. 

Beyond the online space, brick-and-mortar establishments are also called to refuse service if an adult is accompanied by a child or teenager, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to safeguarding minors from gambling-related risks.

The application of the DSM-IV-MR-J problem gambler screen reveals concerning insights into the prevalence of underage gambling in the UK. A notable 890 individuals, having spent their own money on gambling activities in the past year, underwent evaluation. The results indicate a complex landscape, with 7.5% falling into the categories of 'at-risk gamblers' or 'problem gamblers.' These young individuals manifest behaviors such as preoccupation with gambling, using it as a coping mechanism for other personal issues, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut down.

1.4% of participants admitted to taking money from relatives without permission to fund their gambling habits, while 1.3% reported gambling-related conflicts leading to arguments or school absenteeism. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and educational initiatives to address the diverse challenges faced by at-risk and problem gamblers in this age group.

The latest UKGC report highlights key statistics pertaining to underage gambling, some of which we have covered:

• 26% of 11-17 year-olds spent money on gambling, reflecting a decline from 31% in 2022.
• The percentage of children spending money on age-restricted gambling products decreased from 5% in 2022 to 4%.
• In terms of problem gambling, 0.7% of those surveyed identified as problem gamblers, down from 0.9% in 2022, while 1.5% were identified as at-risk gamblers, showing a decline from 2.4% in the previous year.
• 16-year-olds had the highest rate of gambling at 26.9%, with 12-year-olds having the highest number of at-risk gamblers at 2.3%, and 13-year-olds having the highest number of problem gamblers at 1.9%.
• The study highlights that the 16-24-year-old age bracket shows the highest prevalence of problem gambling, with 1% of gamblers in this age range reporting issues.

Exposure to gambling ads remains prevalent among children:

• 55% saw ads offline (down from 66% in 2022).
• 53% saw ads online (down from 63% in 2022).

Other noteworthy trends:

• 3-5% of gamblers are deemed problem gamblers.
• Around 750,000 young individuals (aged 14 to 21) may already be addicted to gambling.
• It is 300% more likely for a person to become a gambling addict if their first contact with it was at a young age, highlighting the powerful effect exposure has on development.
• 40% of UK residents have seen TV ads about gambling weekly or more than once every seven days.
• According to the survey, 24% of respondents believe that youngsters engage in underage gambling to make more money.

BillionaireGambler.co.uk recognizes the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from the risks associated with gambling at a young age. To empower users and contribute to a safer online environment, BillionaireGambler.co.uk recommends a selection of prevention tools and resources. These tools not only act as barriers against access to virtual gambling sites but also offer comprehensive features to ensure responsible online behavior among users of all ages.

Net Nanny

Net Nanny is a best-selling Internet filter renowned for its versatility. While excelling in blocking virtual gambling sites, it offers an array of features such as content filtering, screen time management, app and website blocking, and even the ability to restrict specific phrases. Despite its robust capabilities, users should be aware that Net Nanny can be circumvented with the use of VPNs or Tor networks. Installation is straightforward, varying between a browser extension and a mobile app with distinct operating methods.

Big Deal

Big Deal is a multifaceted resource in the fight against underage gambling created by GamCare. Alongside its blocking solution, GamCare offers a portfolio of useful products, including the NetLine help service. According to UKGC analysis, GamCare specializes in assisting both young children and adults. For an additional educational resource, explore the Youth Outreach Programme, a sister project of Big Deal, which provides training sessions for teenagers. This initiative fosters communication, education, and tailored solutions to address gambling issues.

Kaspersky Safe Kids

Kaspersky Safe Kids serves as a virtual block tool designed to repel mature-rated content, including gambling. It manages screen time and creates safe filters within popular websites like YouTube. Both the extension and the app offer integrated metrics and data, providing an overview of a child's online activity through a single account.

Gamban

Gamban specializes in blocking various gambling websites and their targeted ads on third-party platforms. With handy promo codes and live support, Gamban collaborates with 11 banks, ensuring an unbreakable block of transactions from accounts to gambling services.

GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP is a prominent British service empowering users to self-exclude from top online casinos for a customizable period, ranging from months to years. Beyond self-exclusion, GAMSTOP provides specialized help, guidance, and professional assistance. This proactive approach aids in making instances of underage gambling more manageable and emphasizes responsible gaming practices.

GambleAware

Explore the valuable services offered by GambleAware, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals facing gaming-related challenges. Leveraging educational approaches, GambleAware provides assistance to those in need, continually updating their initiatives through partnerships and insights from esteemed institutions like the NHS. Engage with GambleAware for comprehensive support in promoting responsible gaming behaviors.

In summary, our examination of underage gambling in the UK underscores the complex interplay of various factors. While there has been an overall decline in underage gambling, the persistent exposure to gambling advertisements, particularly online and at sports events, remains a significant concern. Media influence, family connections to gambling, and ethnic variations contribute to divergent exposure rates. Alarmingly, a notable percentage of young individuals exhibit signs of problem gambling, underscoring the urgency of robust prevention measures.

In addressing these challenges, BillionaireGambler.co.uk takes a proactive stance by exclusively partnering with UKGC-licensed casinos. This approach ensures a strict adherence to regulatory standards, promoting a safer gambling environment to combat underage gambling. BillionaireGambler.co.uk conducts rigorous background checks on casino operators to ensure compliance and safety standards.