"Study discovers that 10% of male university students in Britain spends a larger sum on gambling compared to their food expenditure"
Hitting the Jackpot: Gambling Obsession Among UK Students
Published on: 04.03.2025. Last updated: 29.04.2025.
A Shocking Reveal: 10% of Students Gamble Away Their Food Money
In an alarming new study by Gamstop, it's been discovered that the gambling habits of students in the UK are spiraling out of control. One in ten male students are reportedly forking over a whopping £51 to £100 per week on online casinos and sports betting. Ouch! But, hey, who needs food when there's a slot machine waiting, right?
Mind you, the average spending among all male students is still £33.54. However, many students aren't as lucky, as the money they've splurged on gambling leaves little to no room for basic necessities like, well, food. On this grim situation, Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop, had this to say:
"While gambling at universities has seen a slight decline, the risk of gambling addiction among students remains significantly higher than in the general population. These students need to be educated about the terrible consequences of gambling in the hope of making a quick buck." - Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop.
Beware of Those Betting Beyond Their Means
This survey is based on the annual Student Gambling Survey conducted by market research group Censuswide. The study was commissioned by Gamstop, the UK's gambling self-exclusion organization, and YGAM, a charity dedicated to the education and prevention of gambling addiction.
The grim reality? Nearly half of all student gamblers are spending money they don't have. And get this - 17% of those surveyed are at a high risk of developing a gambling addiction. Online sports betting is particularly popular among the group, with 25% of male students averaging 91 days of bets per year.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) recently found that many Brits are using gambling as an escape from the mundanity of daily life. Talk about a catch-22!
Watch Out for Loot Boxes and Crypto Investments
Gamstop also raised concerns about loot boxes and crypto investments among UK students. The study found that half of the students consider loot boxes, those random in-game purchases, as gambling. And get this - 66% of respondents admitted to already spending money on loot boxes in various games.
The cherry on top? Within the past 12 months, 21% of respondents had invested in cryptocurrencies, with male students doing so twice as often as their female counterparts.
In case you're wondering, UK authorities are acting quickly to address the rising gambling concerns among students. Initiatives range from integrating gambling harm into medical curriculums, targeting support campaigns during high-profile events like the Grand National, to advocating stricter advertising regulations and industry oversight.
Stay safe, folks! The house may win, but your health shouldn't.
- Despite the slight decline in gambling at universities, the prevalence of gambling addiction among students remains significantly higher than in the average British population.
- The study reveals that more than half of the student gamblers are spending money they don't have, with 17% at a high risk of developing a gambling addiction.
- In an effort to tackle the increasing gambling concerns among students, UK authorities are advocating for integrating gambling harm education into medical curriculums, stricter advertising regulations, and industry oversight.
