Many young individuals in the UK dealing with gambling problems
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) recently released data on the widespread presence of gambling among younger individuals in the UK. It was discovered that around 80% of 11-16 year olds encounter gambling-related television ads. Estimates also state that nearly 370,000 young people engage in gambling, with a small percentage already displaying signs of addiction.
Gambling is legal for individuals aged 18 and above, but it's allegedly being circumvented by providers' youth protection systems. Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, found this statistic to be "thought-provoking," as over 25,000 young individuals already exhibit symptoms of gambling addiction. To address the issue, GambleAware urges companies to tighten their age-verification procedures and incorporate additional safety mechanisms.
However, the concern extends beyond traditional gambling. "Social casino games," which do not involve actual money betting, are seen as potential gateways to real-money gambling, unintentionally leading young people onto the path of gambling addiction. There are more than 500,000 children aged 11-16 who claim to gamble, which suggests a growing epidemic of gambling-related problems.
Last October, the UKGC commanded online casinos to steer clear of advertising games with attractive themes popular among children (e.g., comics, animals, superheroes, etc.) and to conceal these games from their sites. This measure aims to deter young visitors from engaging in gambling. Nonetheless, the issue goes beyond just advertising; some young gamblers no longer seek the thrill of gaming but rather seek financial gains. Around 40% of active young people reportedly play to "make money."
Young people are particularly vulnerable to the allure of monetary rewards and misjudging the real risks of gambling. Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, stressed the need for better education and prevention measures: "We must do more to safeguard children from the dangers of gambling."
The UKGC, however, doesn't see gambling companies as the sole culprits. They also have a responsibility to strengthen their age-verification systems. However, children are exposed to gambling in many ways: through playground games, gaming consoles, and social media. Tim Miller, the UKGC Director, emphasized the importance of cross-industry collaboration and cooperation with parents to curb the problem:
"Children are exposed to gambling in various forms – at the playground, on gaming consoles, or on social media – not just at bookmakers or online casinos. That's why it's critical we work together across industries and with parents to protect children and promote responsible gaming habits among adults as well."
Despite these measures, the number of young gamblers is expected to continue growing. This could be due to gambling addiction's reputation for being challenging to treat and the numerous relapses experienced by patients. Young people who become addicted could conceivably battle the problem for the remainder of their lives. Consequently, broader public discussions about gambling may be needed in the UK. While the UKGC is attempting to limit the issue by implementing stricter regulations, long-term solutions might require substantial investments in education and treatment.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
