Male students exhibiting troublesome gambling behaviors revealed in GAMSTOP survey findings
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A recent survey by Gamstop has revealed concerning gambling habits among one in six students, particularly among males. The study found that one in six students can be classified as problem gamblers, with the severity of the issue varying. This figure is four times higher than the general population in the United Kingdom, a disturbing indication of potential lifelong struggles with gambling-related harm for young people.
The Annual Student Gambling Survey, conducted by Censuswide and released by GAMSTOP and Ygam for the fourth time, showed that 17% of students are at a high risk of gambling harm, while another 29% are at a moderate risk. Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, expressed concern, stating, "The Student Gambling Survey confirms the necessity for targeted support for the student community." She emphasized the need for education about the potentially harmful consequences of gambling.
Male students were found to spend an average of £33.54 on gambling, equaling their spending on groceries, and are more likely to be problem gamblers than female students. One in ten students spends between £51-£100 on gambling each week, significantly exceeding their typical grocery expenses.
The survey also revealed a worrying trend - many students believe they can gamble to make money, a belief that is unfounded and not supported by facts. Forty-five percent of all students admitted to gambling with the hope of making money, a percentage that increases to 50% among male students. Additionally, 17% of students are using their student loans to fund their gambling habits.
While peer pressure from friends has long been a known motivator for gambling behavior, the survey suggests that male students are more likely to feel pressured to prove their gambling prowess to gain social acceptance.
Despite these worrying findings, there is some good news. Half of the students surveyed are aware of problem gambling support options at their university. Moreover, 59% of students who gamble indicate they would feel comfortable accessing such support. However, the numbers could be better.
While specific data on the UK's student population is not directly available, related information indicates that problem gambling might be more prevalent among males compared to the general population. External factors such as peer pressure, financial stress, and exposure to gambling ads could contribute to problem gambling experiences in students.
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- The Annual Student Gambling Survey, consistent with the findings from Gamstop, has identified a significant number of high and moderate-risk gamblers among students, especially males, in UK universities, with one in six students being classified as problem gamblers.
- The survey further revealed that a concerning proportion of male students, 50%, gamble with the intention of making money, a belief often unfounded and not supported by facts, and 17% of students admitted to utilizing their student loans to sustain their gambling habits.
