Charity urges overhaul of online gambling marketing laws, with children at risk of harm

• New analysis from GambleAware finds that young people aged 18-24 living in the most deprived areas of Great Britain experience almost three times more gambling problems than those living in the least deprived areas.
• 18-24 year olds from ethnic minority communities who gamble are more likely to experience ‘problem gambling’ than their White peers, with those from Black backgrounds experiencing more than three times the rate of gambling problems experienced by those from White backgrounds (23% vs 6%).
• Among 18-24 year olds experiencing at-risk gambling, nearly half (45%) reported low mental wellbeing and nearly one in four (24%) reported a high risk of suicidality.
• Despite those aged 18-24 being less likely to engage in gambling than the general population, they are more likely to experience gambling problems –  showing how gambling is disproportionately impacting 18-24 year olds.

A new analysis from the charity GambleAware has revealed that young people in the most deprived areas of Great Britain are experiencing high levels of gambling harm, with links to mental health struggles and suicidality.

The report reveals that young people aged 18-24 living in the most deprived areas of Great Britain experience a higher level of gambling problems than those living in the least deprived areas. 18–24 year olds in the most deprived fifth of neighbourhoods had almost three times the rates of ‘problem gambling’ compared to people living in the least deprived fifth of areas (11% vs. 4%). Those in the most deprived areas experiencing at-risk gambling also reported elevated suicidality scores (36% vs. 11%)¹.

Research has shown that 21% of gambling shops are based within the most deprived decile of areas in the country, compared to just 2% in the least deprived decile². GambleAware is concerned about the normalisation of gambling and increased exposure to gambling for children and young people, including through the increased density of gambling premises in more deprived areas. 

GambleAware’s report also includes findings about young people from different groups, including that 18-24 year olds who gamble from ethnic minority communities, are more likely to experience ‘problem gambling’ than their White peers. Those from Black backgrounds were found to experience more than three times the rate of gambling problems experienced by those from White backgrounds, with 23% experiencing ‘problem gambling’ compared to 6% from White backgrounds. 

45% of Black young adults who are affected by somebody else’s gambling, such as a friend or family member, were found to report also experiencing ‘problem gambling.’ This is more than double the rate of their White young adult peers (19%). South Asian young adults who are affected by someone else’s gambling also experience higher levels of ‘problem gambling’ (30%) than their White counterparts. This demonstrates that not only are young adults from minority ethnic populations more likely to experience problems from their own gambling, but also from the other people they know who gamble. 

Among 18-24 year olds experiencing at-risk gambling, nearly half (45%) reported low mental wellbeing and nearly one in four (24%) reported a high risk of suicidality. South Asian 18-24 year olds with any level of gambling problems reported the lowest wellbeing scores (61%) and the highest rate of suicidality (50%) which is double the rate of suicidality of their White peers (22%). 

Financial insecurity was found to be a key contributing factor to gambling harm and poor mental health for 18-24 year olds. The analysis found that among young people aged 18-24, the main reason for starting to gamble is ‘for the chance of winning big money’ (reported by 34%). Other drivers include them being exposed to gambling marketing and advertising and participating in gambling activities associated with greater harm, including those that are unregulated. 

Anna Hargrave, GambleAware Transition CEO, said: “Our research has shown that gambling from a younger age increases the likelihood that someone will go on to experience harm from gambling. We are increasingly concerned about the impact gambling is having on young people across society and this report has highlighted the scale of the issue for younger people from minoritised communities.

“We are concerned by the clustering of gambling venues and betting shops in the most deprived areas of the country and would welcome local authorities  being granted more powers to control the number of gambling venues to help reduce exposure and normalisation of gambling. We also want to see health warnings added to gambling advertising and marketing, so people are aware of the risks and support available.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Suicidality refers to the incidence and severity of suicidal thoughts and suicidal ideation, which can impact on daily functioning and have an associated level of distress

2. Research from the University of Bristol: www.bristol.ac.uk/geography/research/pfrc/themes/vulnerability/gambling/the-geography-of-gambling-premises-in-britain/