Gambling Disorder Rate Doubles Among Youth in the UK
Published: January 27, 2025
The UK’s Gambling Commission recently reported that 27 percent of kids aged 11 to 17 have bet using their own money in the last 12 months, consistent with last year’s rate. The report also identified that 1.5 percent of young people are experiencing a gambling disorder – double the rate of last year.
Ohio youth bet at similarly high rates, with about 15 percent of youth between the ages of 12 to 17 betting, and 3 percent experiencing a gambling disorder.
Many potential factors could be fueling the rise in youth betting. Tiffany Rufino of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts told Western Mass News that betting becoming socially acceptable among adults may play a role. “Because it’s so socialized, folks just are not aware of, or they don’t associate it, with it potentially becoming a problem. It’s just all fun and games, right? Right. Until it isn’t.”
The accessibility of sports betting apps and the rising popularity of video game features that mirror betting activities, such as loot boxes, may also contribute to high youth gambling rates.
As betting becomes more normalized in today’s culture, it’s important to talk to the young person in your life about the risks of betting. The warning signs of youth gambling or a gambling disorder can be hard to detect, but knowing what to look for can help ensure you remain in touch with your child’s habits and have a conversation with them as early as possible.
Common signs of youth gambling include:
- Frequent or unexplained absences
- Trouble in school
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as depression, anxiety, or defensiveness
- Unusual interest in sports or video games
- Less interest in activities they usually enjoy
- Missing valuables or sums of money
Change the Game Ohio can be a great resource for parents and educators looking to help prevent youth gambling and start the conversation with a child in their lives. Change the Game offers a parent discussion guide, a classroom handout for educators, and a quiz to gauge if your child is at risk.
If a child you know might be at risk for developing a gambling disorder, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741. Trained and understanding specialists are standing by to offer free, non-judgmental, and confidential support 24/7.