Problem Gambling Among Children Doubles in the UK
The UK is one of the world’s gambling hotspots, with sports betting in particular proving extremely popular among British residents. However, recent research has revealed a significant increase in problem gambling among children, which suggests that there’s a darker side to the recent gambling boom.
Problem gambling is a serious issue that both operators and regulators are fighting hard to eradicate. The prevalence, and indeed increase, of problem gambling among children is a clear indication that we still have some way to go. In this article, we take a look at what this means for the industry moving forward.
The Data in Detail
The rise in problem gambling among children was revealed in research conducted by the Gambling Commission. The UK regulator disclosed that the number of children who reported problematic gambling behaviour has leapt to a total of 85,000, more than double the figure recorded in the previous year.
The Gambling Commission surveyed children and young people using diagnostic criteria, asking them questions about whether their gambling habits impacted their schoolwork and if they used gambling as a form of escapism, among others. The results revealed that approximately 27% of children aged 11 to 17 had gambled using their own money within the past year, and the percentage of children displaying signs of problem gambling had jumped to 1.5% from 0.7% in 2023.
How Will This Affect Young People?
The long-term effects of problem gambling among children aren’t fully understood. However, there’s nothing to suggest that children won’t suffer the same impact as adults with gambling problems.
For children, problem gambling can impact their schoolwork and their social life. It can affect interpersonal relationships, increase the risk of anxiety and depression and lead to self-esteem issues. It can also lead to addiction, which can continue to cause problems later in life.
These are serious side effects, and they clearly highlight the need for action to protect young people against gambling-related harm.
How Will This Impact the Industry?
Despite incredible recent growth, the gambling industry continues to face mounting scrutiny from opposition groups and the government. Regulations are being tightened all the time in an effort to reduce rates of gambling-related harm.
The recent news of an increase in problem gambling among children will only serve to add fuel to the fire. For an industry that’s already heavily criticised, this will mount further pressure on operators and could see further tightening of existing regulations. These could include limitations on advertising and marketing and, crucially, stricter controls over age verification and identity verification processes.
What’s Next?
For gambling operators, working within the confines of the law is essential. However, for future success, it’s important to anticipate future regulatory changes and ensure you are prepared to make any necessary changes.
In an attempt to curb rising gambling rates among children, regulators could well insist on stricter and more effective age verification tools to be put in place. For operators, partnering with an age verification solution provider like AgeChecked can help future-proof your business and brand and ensure you’re ready for any regulatory changes.
