UKGC report claims 49% of 11-17YO experienced “gambling” in the previous 12 months

• UKGC has published its latest survey looking into the rate of participation in gambling-like experiences by those aged 11-17
• The definition of gambling experience is broader than what is legally considered a gambling experience
• Gambling experiences, as per the UKGC, include claw machines and penny machines that may not be restricted by law, but count towards

The results from the UKGC report on young people and gambling are in, and the trends are not promising. According to the regulator, and its Young People and Gambling Report 2025, a significant number of underage individuals continue to gamble, although they should not be allowed to by law.

The activities children and adolescents engage in, however, are not specifically restricted by law, the survey notes, but the UKGC still sees them as "gambling experiences."

Children continually engage in gambling-like experiences that aren’t regulated by law

The study collected data from 3,666 children and adolescents aged between 11 and 17 attending academies, maintained and independent schools in England, Scotland, and Wales. The findings indicate that nearly half of respondents in the age group had "experienced gambling" in the previous 12 months – 49% of all respondents.

30% of respondents confirmed that they had spent their own money on gambling in the previous 12 months. The UKGC went further into the data, looking to better understand gambling behavior in the 11-17-year-old age group.

According to the regulator, "the most common types of gambling activity that young people spent their own money on remained those that are legal or not age-restricted."

Leading the way were arcade gaming machines, accounting for 21% of all activity. In this category, the UKGC classified penny pushers and claw grab machines. Then, there were bets between friends and family, accounting for 14% of the activity.

UKGC introduces new rules meant to help strengthen safeguards for children

Last, 5% of respondents said that they played cards for money with family and friends. The UKGC has noted that it has already taken remedial action to address some of these issues, including new rules that would require land-based licensees, including smaller ones, to carry out age verification test purchasing.

Another rule would obligate licensees to check the age of any customer who may look like they are under the age of 25.

Tim Miller, Executive Director of Research and Policy, commented on the latest findings and noted the regulator’s continued work in better understanding the relationship that young people have with gambling:

"We have seen an increase in participation in gambling – 27 percent in 2024 compared to 30 percent in 2025. The research shows that it is not children being encouraged or allowed to gamble underage driving this increase – it is the increased participation in gambling that is either legal or does not require regulation, such as private betting between friends."

The UK is currently debating whether it should raise taxes on the gambling industry to lift children out of poverty. At the same time, however, the ongoing issue with children experiencing gambling remains unaddressed, argue critics.

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