The UK Gambling Commission has published its 2026 Young People and Gambling report, based on responses from 3,867 people aged 11 to 17 in England, Scotland and Wales. The survey found that 74% said they had never gambled, while 26% had spent their own money on gambling during the previous 12 months.
Age-restricted products
Five per cent of respondents said they had spent money on age-restricted gambling products. The Commission said most reported gambling involved activities that are legal or not age-restricted for this age group, including arcade machines and informal bets with friends or family. The proportion reporting negative consequences was 0.9%, compared with 1.2% in the previous year's survey.
The regulator said the findings will inform its work to prevent children from accessing products such as online casino games and betting in licensed bookmakers. For operators, the results reinforce the importance of effective age verification, monitoring and controls around marketing exposure to young audiences.