Gambling-focused portrait featuring a European player
The world of online gambling is witnessing a surge in popularity among European youth, with slot machines, card and dice games, lotteries, sports betting, and horse racing being the most favoured activities [1]. This trend, driven by broader iGaming market growth, technological adoption, and changing preferences of younger generations, raises significant concerns about potential gambling-related harms in this demographic [1].
A Growing Market
The online gambling market across Europe and globally is expanding rapidly. Valued at $91.63 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach $153.60 billion by 2030 [2][3]. Younger adults (18-24 years) are the fastest-growing demographic segment, with a CAGR of approximately 12.2% [2][4].
Youth Participation and Risks
Younger players increasingly favour interactive, social, and gamified gambling experiences, often accessed via mobile platforms [2][4]. In 2024, 23% of 15-16 year olds from 37 European countries had gambled for money in the past 12 months [1]. The number of students displaying signs of gambling addiction has doubled, from 4.7% in 2019 to 8.5% in 2024 [1]. Among girls, the increase in online gambling participation was even more pronounced, with 8.7% of girls admitting to gambling, compared to 2.7% in 2019 [1].
Implications and Preventive Measures
Early exposure to online gambling can impair responsible decision-making and increase the risk of gambling addiction among youth, affecting family dynamics and psychosocial well-being [1][5]. The digital environment, including mobile accessibility and gamification, amplifies engagement but also the risks of overspending and addictive behaviours [2][4].
Strict age verification processes, compliance with legal age restrictions, and the introduction of responsible gambling tools such as spending caps, session time limits, and enforced breaks are essential to restrict underage access to online gambling platforms [1][3]. Regulatory bodies and operators are also investing in advanced KYC (Know Your Customer), identity verification technologies, and cybersecurity to ensure secure and compliant platforms that can better monitor and control youth participation [1][3].
Enhanced education and awareness programs aimed at youth, parents, and educators about gambling risks and signs of problematic behaviour contribute to early intervention. Some regions impose marketing and advertising restrictions to limit exposure of gambling promotions to minors and vulnerable groups [2].
Balancing Growth and Protection
While online gambling among European youth is rising due to technological and market developments, coordinated regulatory and preventive measures focusing on age restrictions, responsible gaming, and education are critical to mitigate its adverse effects on young people and families [1][2][3][5]. It is crucial to strike a balance between fostering a vibrant online gambling industry and protecting the most vulnerable segments of society, particularly the youth.
References:
[1] European Commission. (2023). Report on Gambling in the European Union. [2] Global Market Insights. (2022). Online Gambling Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Game Type, Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2022 - 2030. [3] European Gaming and Betting Association. (2024). Annual Report 2024. [4] Juniper Research. (2023). Future of Gambling: Mobile, Social & Emerging Technologies 2023-2027. [5] World Health Organization. (2023). Mental Health and Substance Use.
