Half Of Older Children Experienced Gambling In Last Year, Regulator
Half of 11 to 17-year-olds experienced betting over the previous year and 30% invested their own money doing so, according to latest figures.
Those taking part in betting with their own money is up from 27% in 2024, the Gambling Commission's yearly Young People and Gambling Report stated.
However, the regulator stated the research showed that it was not kids being motivated or permitted to bet underage that was driving the boost but instead increased participation in gambling that was either legal or did not need guideline, such as personal betting in between friends.
Each year this report further reinforces understanding of the relationship between young individuals and betting
Tim Miller, Gambling Commission
The proportion of kids experiencing problems with their gaming was 1.2%, which the commission described as "statistically steady" with 2024's 1.5%.
The survey was carried out among 3,666 11 to 17-year-olds participating in academies, kept and independent schools in England, Scotland and Wales, with pupils finishing online self-completion studies in class.
The most of gambling that youths spent their own money on stayed those that were legal or not age-restricted, most typically arcade gaming makers such as penny pusher or claw grab devices (21%), followed by putting a bet for cash in between pals or family (14%) and playing cards with buddies or household for money (5%).
Arcade video gaming was among the most typical types of gambing amongst children, the report discovered (Alamy/PA)
Tim Miller, the Gambling Commission's executive director of research and policy, said: "Each year this report even more strengthens understanding of the relationship between young individuals and gambling.
"We have seen an increase in participation in betting - 27% in 2024 compared to 30% in 2025.
"The research reveals that it is not kids being encouraged or enabled to gamble underage driving this increase - it is the increased participation in betting that is either legal or does not need policy, such as private wagering in between pals.
"Even with that increased participation, the percentage of those scoring four or more on the youth-adapted issue gambling screen has not increased however has moved from 1.5% in 2015 to 1.2% this year, which is classified as statistically steady.
"Where it relates to regulated kinds of gaming, we utilize the information to constantly keep under evaluation and, where needed, reinforce the suite of defenses for youths that we require betting companies to have in place."
Will Prochaska, who leads the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, stated: "The percentage of children betting and experiencing issues is frightening and driven by ubiquitous advertising pushed to them through sport, video game, and by online influencers.
"If the Government is serious about its manifesto dedication to lower gambling harm it must do something about it on betting marketing."