Underage Gambling in the UK – The Road to Prevention and Support
Underage gambling in the UK remains a hot topic and an issue that the UK Gambling Commission has set its sights on resolving. The introduction of more stringent regulations and laws has decreased underage gambling in the region in 2023. Still, gambling by minors in the UK remains prevalent.
Come with us as we walk you through several key factors regarding underage gambling in the UK, from the latest stats to what it is that drives minors to gamble. We also look at the role online gambling platforms play and strategies to minimise underage gambling in the region.
One key measure the UK Gambling Commission has in place to monitor underage gambling is an annual survey that measures the exposure and participation of young people in the UK in gambling. The Young People and Gambling Survey offers the latest statistics, which we summarise below. As seen from the statistical data collected from the Young People and Gambling Survey, there has been a slight drop in underage gambling in the UK. It is also clear that several factors headline as influences for young people in the UK regarding gambling exposure. The top contributors include Studies such as the survey we discussed above highlight advertising, media, and social media as some of the primary ways in which the youth gain exposure to gambling and the concept of gambling. It is important to note, though, that while online measures like social media and apps contribute largely, the UK’s youth learn about gambling primarily through television advertising and other offline marketing avenues. Another key factor contributing to underage gambling in the UK is peer pressure. While many youth participate in various forms of gambling, such as arcade gaming, as they deem it a source of entertainment, others may be participating as a result of peer pressure. Additionally, the UKGC’s survey recorded that 12% of youth who had gambled noted that gambling by a family member paid for things such as holidays, trips, and other luxury items. This perception may also lead youngsters to view gambling as a way of obtaining things that would otherwise be out of reach financially. Online gambling sites in the UK pose a far greater risk of an increase in underage gambling. While land-based facilities can see and easily ask for an individual’s identification documents and turn away minors, online gambling platforms must rely on the information the individual is providing. For this reason, online gambling sites in the UK must implement specialised software, checks, and regulations that prevent underage individuals from accessing and utilising their platforms. Let’s look at some of the key tools online betting sites have in place to prevent underage gambling: Online gambling sites must adhere to stringent regulations regarding marketing and advertising. These regulations include severe stipulations ensuring that the gambling website’s marketing and advertising efforts are not targeted at underage individuals. Additionally, the UK introduced gambling laws in 2020 that prohibit celebrities, sports stars, and individuals of influence from promoting or advertising gambling in any way. Further, gambling advertisements or marketing efforts may not include a young person under the age of 25. UK gambling platforms must implement and use sophisticated software and tools to carefully verify the age of individuals signing up with and utilising their websites. These measures come in several formats, from age estimation algorithms to credit rating facilities to processes like KYC verification that require the submission of ID documents, proof of residence, and selfies of the individual holding their identity card. Online gambling sites must continually monitor each individual’s usage of the site. These platforms do this to detect a change in player behaviour or gambling habits and pick up on underage gambling. Once an online gambling site has detected irregular or suspicious activity or suspect accounts, it reports these to the relevant authorities for further investigation and termination of the account. Gambling sites in the UK must advise users of the harmful nature of problem gambling and clearly advocate for responsible gambling. In addition to this requirement, all UK-registered online gambling sites must promote responsible gambling by providing measures such as the option for self-exclusion, tools that aid players in managing the time and money they spend on the site, and access to links to external resources that deal with gambling addiction. Underage gambling in the UK is a concern. While online gambling sites are doing what they can to prevent underage individuals from accessing their websites, several additional strategies can boost these efforts and prevent young people from developing problem gambling habits that follow them into adulthood. Implementing campaigns, drives, and educational programs that target young people is the first step to combating underage gambling. Educating minors on the harmful nature of problem gambling and addiction before they formulate ideas that gambling is a way to have fun or solve financial problems is vital in minimising underage betting. Another critical strategy in reducing and preventing underage gambling is getting parents involved. Encouraging close monitoring of a child’s online activity and even implementing app blockers that allow parents to preview and approve apps before the child downloads them is a great starting point. Providing support and informative resources to help parents address responsible gambling with their children is another key strategy that can be beneficial. Online gambling platforms and applications can boost user verification systems by implementing the latest technology, such as biometric software and facial recognition programs that allow for immediate restrictions to those who are attempting to access the platform while underage. Problem gambling resources offer help to adults and minors struggling with gambling addiction. The sooner young people with a gambling addiction or who are at risk of developing a gambling problem receive assistance, the greater their chance of overcoming their addiction. Some of the top resources and organisations in the UK for problem gambling include: Underage gambling in the UK is a serious problem. The UK Gambling Commission has implemented several stringent regulations that have so far worked well to diminish the number of young people engaging in underage gambling. Through the use of additional strategies, such as limiting gambling advertising and marketing and the careful monitoring of minors’ online activity, the number of underage gamblers can be further reduced.How Prevalent is Underage Gambling in the UK
Key Stats
Key Influences Contributing to Underage Gambling
Social Media and Advertising
Peer Pressure
The Role of Online Gambling Platforms
Responsible Marketing and Advertising
Verification Tools
Site Control and Monitoring
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Strategies for the Prevention of Underage Gambling
Awareness and Education
Parental Guidance and Supervision Systems
Identification and Age Restrictions
Resources for Problem Gambling
Conclusion
Resources
