Betting companies ‘out of control’ as youth problem gambling doubles

Problem gambling has more than doubled among young people, a new report has revealed.

The Gambling Commission’s annual study explored gambling behaviours of 3,869 pupils aged 11 to 18. Of those surveyed, the number of those classed as problem gamblers has risen from 0.7 per cent in 2023 to 1.5 per cent in 2024 — equating to approximately 85,000 young people nationwide.

The report found that almost one in ten of those “actively involved in gambling noted that this had led to them telling lies to family and/or friends or others at least once or twice within the past year”.

‘Barrage’

Will Prochaska, leader of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, said the rise was “no surprise” due to the “ongoing barrage of gambling ads that every child in the UK is forced to see almost every day of their lives”.

Former Conservative Party leader The Rt Hon Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP called for Government action, warning that gambling firms are “completely out of control and seem to be going after young people”.

A Government spokesperson stated: “We recognise the impact harmful gambling can have on individuals and their families and we are absolutely committed to strengthening protections for those at risk, including young people.”

Overhaul

In September, Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross told The Christian Institute that the Government remains committed to reforming gambling legislation.

The Institute, which has been campaigning on the issue for over two decades, had advised Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy of three areas where quick effective action could be taken: gambling advertising, child protection, and online stakes.

Lady Twycross responded: “We are in the early stages of the new Government and are still considering the full range of gambling policy. We will consider the best available evidence from a wide range of sources to inform decisions on how best to fulfil the manifesto commitment.