SBC News UK Gambling Commission reports growing concern over problem gambling affecting 18-24 age group.

UK Gambling Commission reports growing concern over problem gambling affecting 18-24 age group.

wardle
Heather Wardle, Director of NatCen Social Research,

Research published by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), has found a growing risk of problem gambling amongst young British males aged 16-24. The UKGC research reports that men aged 16-24 are twice as likely to be “in the at risk category of problem gambling”.

The report title Further analysis of the Health Survey for England 2012 and Scottish Health Survey 2012 (April 2014)”, aims to give more insight into problem gambling in the UK, breaking down gambling behaviour by UK population segments.

The report was commissioned in conjunction with the National Health Service and the Social Care Information Centre.

The UKGC reports that while 7 per cent of males across the whole adult population are estimated to be “at risk”, that proportion more than doubles to 16 per cent among men aged 16 to 24. Similarly, while 2 per cent of females are at risk, that number more than doubles too in the 16-24 age bracket.

Lead Author of the report, Heather Wardle, Director of NatCen Social Research, urges the UK government for greater focus on the age group with regards to problem gambling. She points to significant sports betting advertising which is visible during sports broadcasts on UK television.

“You can see how the environment in which people are growing up is changing. The situation is crying out for more education.While alcohol, smoking and drugs are covered in the PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) curriculum in schools, gambling is not”

Check Also

SBC News UKGC committed to measure evaluation of Gambling Review proposals

UKGC committed to measure evaluation of Gambling Review proposals

David Taylor, Head of Evidence Assurance and Evaluation at the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has outlined …

SBC News UKGC assists in illegal South Wales gambling bust 

UKGC assists in illegal South Wales gambling bust 

South Wales’ Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) has collaborated with the UKGC, HMRC and …

SBC News NHS: Sheffield clinic sees NGSN hit operating milestone

NHS: Sheffield clinic sees NGSN hit operating milestone

The NHS has reached an operating milestone in the support and development of the National …