Gambling
The issue of gambling and young people is evident with an increase in media coverage as well as our own concerns. Whether it be the addictive nature of loot boxes found in gaming aimed at some of our youngest individuals or also for young adults at university seeking a way out of debt and mounting tuition fees.
Gambling is a health issue. Its addictive qualities easily enthuse and capture individuals into a cycle of debt.
With online games, often initially free to the user, children are spending money through ‘micro transactions’ with a chance to get the thing they really feel they need. The more they spend, the greater opportunity they have. But of course these ‘loot boxes’ are not random and the gamer may never get hold of the thing they need. For students struggling in a time where jobs are less available and the cost of basic items are going up, gambling can feel an attractive option, particularly with their introductory offers of free bets or an amount of money to get you started.
Understanding the mechanics of gambling is essential for young people, particularly as it is so accessible. Even though micros transaction for loot boxes is not considered gambling by law, they utilise the same temptations of gambling… the chance to win.
Latest News
30/01/2025: Call for age restrictions on video game loot boxes
More regulation is needed to limit gambling-like practices in video games, researchers have warned.
17/12/2024: Illegal casinos are using Roblox to draw children into online gambling
A Sky News investigation has found a network of illegal casinos allowing children to gamble using their accounts on the hugely popular children’s game Roblox. In response to our investigation, the Gambling Commission has taken action against the “criminal” websites.
07/11/2024: Proportion of children in Great Britain with gambling problem has doubled, data reveals
Gambling Commission figures show shock rise to 85,000 in number of young people suffering gambling harms.
01/09/2024: Dangerous play: how online gaming purchases led an Australian youth into a secret gambling addiction
Matthew’s father had no idea his son was even gambling, let alone deep in debt, until he got a terrifying phone call.
21/04/2024: UK children bombarded by gambling ads and images online, charity warns
Young people feel their internet activity is overwhelmed by betting promotions and similar content, says GambleAware.
Elearning
Provider: Gamcare
published: Free
Gambling awareness course for professionals, volunteers and frontline staff. This course looks at what gambling is, how to identify someone affected by gambling harm as well as the risks, hidden harms and gambling support services available. 18+ only
Provider: GamCare
published: Free
Gambling awareness course for young people aged 11-19 years old (content aimed at Key Stages 4 and 5 – but available to all ages). This course looks at different types of gambling activities and the law, what problem gambling looks like and how to spot the signs and how to stay safe when gambling.
Provider: Royal Society for Public Health
published: Free
Our free online course, Understanding and responding to gambling harms: A brief guide for professionals, will teach you about gambling disorders and how to support someone affected by gambling harms.
Podcasts
PSHE Association Subject Specialists Anne Bell and Sally Martin are joined by Dr Elly Hanson — an independent clinical psychologist — to explore current trends regarding gambling harms and young people, and offer insight into how schools and teachers can cover this topic effectively through PSHE.
Video
Websites
Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.
Whilst the majority of gambling activities are for over 18’s it is still important to educate your children around gambling activities including Informing parents around gambling activities and legislation, educating parents on gambling influences and the effects of gambling and safeguarding their children by holding conversations with their child and identifying potential harms.
Welcome to YGAM University and Student Page. This is a page to help you find out more about gaming and gambling and the support available to you if you’re worried about yourself or someone else.
Documents
Author: Commission on Crime & Gambling Related Harms
Published: 01-01-2023
This report outlines the lived experiences of people in England and Wales who have experienced gambling harms (otherwise referred to as ‘problem gambling’) and have committed gambling-related crime. The research has provided a greater understanding of how gambling harms can be understood, the impact of gambling harms and
the specific experiences of the criminal justice journey.
Author: PSHE Association
Published: 01-01-2023
This set of four one-page briefings from the PSHE Association in partnership with GambleAware covers a selection of key content from the teacher handbook under the headings of: Considerations for visitors when working with schools; Considerations when working with gambling education visitors; Why deliver education around gambling?; What is effective gambling education?
Classroom Resources
In partnership with the PSHE Association
Category: Gambling
Audience: KS2
Developed by: PSHE Association/Gamble Aware
Duration (minutes): 60
Keywords: gamble, online, risk, scenarios
GambleAware supports other organisations to develop and produce materials for teachers and youth workers to help young people understand more about the risks of gambling. These are regularly reviewed to ensure we achieve maximum impact and social benefit. Previous materials are available to view on this page.
Accessible to teachers and youth facing professionals who have completed the City & Guilds Assured training with Ygam.
Category: Gambling
Audience: KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5
Developed by: YGAM
Duration (minutes): 30+ – 60+
Keywords: gambling, gaming
Teaching materials mapped to curriculum from KS2- KS5/Post 16
Youth work materials
Group activities
1-1 resources and activities
Please note that all resources are intended for use by you the trained professional within your school/setting. They should not be used for commercial gain and should not be shared.
Classroom Resources
Ygam Resources are accessible to teachers and youth facing professionals who have completed the City & Guilds Assured training with Ygam.
You will find here:
- Teaching materials mapped to curriculum from KS2- KS5/Post 16
- Youth work materials
- Group activities
- 1-1 resources and activities
Please note that all resources are intended for use by you the trained professional within your school/setting.
