Approximately one-fourth of European teenagers participate in gambling activities.
Youth Gambling Participation Levels Across Europe Highlight Concerns
A new EUDA report reveals that around one in four European youth have participated in gambling activities within the past year, raising concerns about the extent of minors' engagement in gambling. The study highlights risky behavior among young people and a gender imbalance, with boys being more likely to partake than girls. Unsurprisingly, the level of youth gambling varies by country, with Italy, Iceland, and Greece recording the highest participation rates.
The report indicates that Italy has the highest percentage of youth engaged in gambling (45%), followed by Iceland (41%) and Greece (36%). The lowest levels are registered in Georgia, where only 9.5% of young people have gambled. The disparity is not solely linked to cultural differences, but also to varying degrees of control over online gambling, accessibility, and societal tolerance towards gambling.
Numerous countries still perceive gambling as a 'male' activity, thanks in part to marketing campaigns targeting male youth. More concerningly, the study shows an alarming rise in problem gambling, with 8.5% of youth demonstrating signs of dependency, up from 4.7% in 2019. Kosovo sees the most worrying trend, with 22% of youth showing dependency risks. On the other hand, problem gambling remains below 5% in Liechtenstein, Czech Republic, Faroe Islands, and Monaco.
Interestingly, the statistics suggest that girls are increasingly participating in gambling. The proportion of girl players has risen from 14% to 16%, while the proportion of playing boys has decreased from 32% to 29%. With platforms like TikTok actively targeting young females, gambling is increasingly being presented as an aspect of style and confidence among girls.
The surge in online gambling amidst younger demographics is a notable trend. More young males are engaging in activities like in-play sports betting and instant win games, particularly in countries such as the UK and Ireland. In Ireland, there's been a tripling of online gambling participation among 17 to 20-year-olds. Regulatory bodies across Europe are acknowledging the issue and implementing measures to address problem gambling, particularly among youth.
Regulatory efforts to mitigate gambling-related harms in youth include the UK Gambling Commission updating regulations to improve youth protection and the implementation of safer gambling tools. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has also banned gambling advertisements during certain hours, prohibited online inducements, and established a national gambling exclusion register.
The study provides a comprehensive overview of youth gambling involvement in Europe, highlighting key trends and geographical disparities. With the growing trend of online gambling among younger demographics, regulatory bodies must continue to assess and update their strategies to promote responsible gambling practices and ensure the safety of young people.
What about the influence of online casinos and gambling on this trend?Casino-and-gambling platforms, particularly those accessible online, seem to be a significant factor in the rising involvement of European youth in gambling activities.
