The UK Gambling Commission today released its findings on how gambling was affecting children and around 25,000 children between 11 and 16 are considered problem gamblers. The report covers everything from the lottery to gambling in video games.
New technology is the problem according to their report with free-to-play casino games, social media, or within some video games being the main problem areas. Tim Miller, Gambling Commission Executive Director said:
“It is clear that many children’s experiences of gambling-style activities are coming from the playground, the games console or social media rather than the bookmaker, the casino or the gambling website. That’s why it is essential that we work across industries and with parents so that together we can protect children and encourage those that choose to gamble in adulthood to do so safely.”
In the past week, 12% (370,000) children have taken part in some form of gambling activity. The video game sectors stats show that 11% have bet with in-game items and 45% are aware that it’s possible to bet with in-game items.
The infographic and stats below highlight the problem which the Commission says is being exacerbated by children do not understanding the consequences of gambling
12% | Percentage of 11-16 year olds that have gambled in the last week (as at December 2017) |
80% | Percentage of 11-16 year olds that have seen gambling advertising on TV (as at December 2017) |
0.9% | Percentage of 11-16 year olds that are defined as problem gamblers (as at December 2017) |
15% | Percentage of boys that have gambled in the last week |
7% | Percentage of girls that have gambled in the last week |
11% | Percentage of 11-16 year olds that have played gambling style games |
10% | Percentage of 11-16 year olds that follow gambling companies on social media |
Click to Enlarge
