UK Gambling Commission Documents Drop in Youth Gambling Participation

The UK Gambling Commission has reported a decline in gambling among children aged 11 to 17. Its annual Young People and Gambling 2026 report, drawn from 3,867 pupil responses across England, Scotland and Wales, shows 26% spent their own money on gambling in the prior 12 months. That figure is down from 30% in 2025 and 50% in the 2022 survey. 74% of respondents had never gambled, up from 69.6% the year before. Participation in age-restricted products stood at 5%, a sharp fall from 18% in 2025.

Survey Findings on Activities and Exposure

Arcade machines remained the leading activity at 19%, a form legal for this age group. Bets with friends or family were reported by 11% and playing cards for money by 5%. Among restricted products, fruit or slot machines were noted by 3%, while National Lottery scratchcards and draws, mobile sports betting and online casino games each registered 1%. Advertising exposure stayed widespread, with 89% recalling promotions. Social media led at 55%, live streaming and video services at 53%, television at 52% and in-app promotions at 51%. 15% followed gambling content; 38% of that group saw influencers promoting it. 35% reported seeing a family member gamble, rising to 46% among those who participated themselves. 22% had paid for virtual loot boxes. Awareness of risks was reported by 81%, though only 0.9% noted negative consequences such as missing school or using meal money, down from 1.2%.

Ben Haden, the Commission’s Director of Research and Statistics, said: “The Commission’s focus is on ensuring that children and young people are not able to spend money on age-restricted gambling products, with an appreciation of the wider context. This is an important survey that provides one perspective on that question as we seek to protect children and vulnerable young people.”

Methodology Questions and Illegal Gambling Data

The findings arrived after industry commentator Dan Waugh questioned the 2025 survey’s self-reported classroom format, which he said could skew results. His review flagged estimates of more than 32,000 children playing casino games and 182,000 using betting office machines. The 2026 work followed the same approach. The Commission acknowledged the data reflect reported experiences rather than verified records. Separate figures released November 5 from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain showed 0.6% of adults used illegal gambling websites in the prior four weeks and 0.4% in the prior 12 months but not the most recent period. According to World Casino News, the combined research points to continued attention on youth exposure and illegal online operators.