UK Gambling Laws Fail to Protect Children, Warns GambleAware Report
GambleAware has released a new report highlighting serious gaps in Britain’s online gambling laws. The organisation warns that current rules fail to protect children and young people from harmful exposure. It is now urging the UK Government to tighten restrictions on gambling marketing and content. The study found that three in four children see gambling ads as fun and harmless. This perception persists despite many lacking the skills to assess risks properly. Influencers and digital marketing play a major role in exposing young audiences to gambling.
GambleAware’s analysis shows that around 85,000 minors in the UK already face gambling-related problems. The report blames outdated regulations and a lack of central oversight for the issue. Without stronger controls, underage gambling risks growing further. To tackle the problem, the organisation has proposed key reforms. These include creating a dedicated task force and consolidating responsibility for digital gambling marketing. The aim is to close loopholes that leave young people vulnerable in the digital age.
The report calls for immediate action to update Britain’s gambling laws. Stricter rules on marketing and better oversight could reduce harm to children and young people. GambleAware insists that without reform, the risks will only increase.
