UKGC Says 49% of 11 to 17-Year-Olds Have Experienced Gambling

Summary

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) 2025 “Young People and Gambling” report, based on responses from 3,666 pupils aged 11–17 across England, Scotland and Wales, finds that 49% had experienced gambling in the previous 12 months. Around 30% reported spending their own money on gambling during that period. The proportion meeting the youth‑adapted problem gambling threshold was 1.2%, broadly in line with 2024.

Most activity involved non‑regulated formats: penny pushers or claw machines (21%), bets for money among friends or family (14%), and card wagers with peers (5%). The UKGC stresses that licensed operators must carry out robust age verification and said it will continue research into early exposure and so‑called gateway products such as loot boxes, social gaming and prize draws.

Key Points

49% of 11–17 year‑olds reported experiencing gambling in the past year (sample: 3,666).
30% said they had spent their own money on gambling in the previous 12 months.
Problem gambling among respondents remains low at 1.2%, statistically stable versus 2024.
Most activity was in unrestricted formats: arcade/penny pusher/claw machines (21%), informal bets (14%), and card games with friends/family (5%).
The UKGC enforces strict age verification for licensed operators and advises checks on customers who look under 25.
The regulator will keep investigating early exposure and gateway products (loot boxes, social gaming, prize draws) for potential harms.

Context and relevance

These findings are important for regulators, schools, parents and operators. They show high exposure to gambling among young people, largely via unregulated or informal formats, while measured problem gambling rates remain low. The report will inform policy discussions on advertising, age checks, and how gaming mechanics may act as gateways to gambling.

Author style

Punchy: this reads like a statistics‑led wake‑up call. If you’re involved in regulation, education or child safeguarding, the numbers here are likely to shape upcoming debates and policy moves — so the detail matters.

Why should I read this?

Quick and real: lots of kids are coming into contact with gambling, mostly off the regulated radar. If you care about kids, schools or public policy, this gives you the hard facts to start conversations and push for better protections. Worth a skim.