New data from the Gambling Commission has revealed a decline in underage gambling rates across the UK in 2026, while fewer children are taking part in age-restricted gambling. 

The regulator’s ‘Young People and Gambling 2026’ report analysed the responses of 3,867 pupils aged 11 to 17. The Commission has run the survey each year since 2022.

Among the key findings was that 26% of children in the age range spent their own money on gambling over the last year, though most of this was legal or not on age-restricted products. The total was lower than 30% in the previous year and down from the 50% peak seen in the inaugural 2022 report. 

Arcade gaming machines were the most popular products, with 19% of respondents playing in the past year. Some 11% placed bets with friends or family and 5% wagered money when playing cards. 

The report also flagged that 5% of 11- to 17-year-olds took part in age-restricted gambling, down from 18% in 2025. Fruit or slot machines were the most popular within this category, with 3% of respondents saying they had played these at some point. 

Other age-restricted products that drew children in this age range included National Lottery scratchcards and lottery draws, sports betting via mobile and online casino games, with 1% of respondents claiming to have played each of these. 

Exposure to gambling advertising remains widespread

Aside from gambling activity, the Commission gathered data on exposure to gambling among 11-17-year-olds. 

Some 89% of respondents recalled seeing or hearing gambling advertising or promotions in the last year. Social media adverts were most common at 55% with respondents seeing one at some point, ahead of live streaming or video sharing platforms (53%), television (52%) and within other apps (51%).

Social media exposure also spread outside of adverts, with 15% of young people following gambling-related content. Of this group, 38% said influencers, creators or streamers they followed had advertised gambling-related content.

Away from screen-based exposure, 35% of respondents saw a family member they live with gamble. This increased to 46% among those young people who had actively participated in gambling.

Loot boxes still proving popular

The regulator also flagged the relationship between gambling and gaming, with certain elements of gambling appearing in video games.

Some 82% of young people were aware of at least one type of in-game item activity, with 84% of this group using at least one. Of all respondents, 22% opened a virtual loot box or surprise box after spending their own money.

In terms of risks, 81% felt well informed about the risks associated with gambling, with 68% saying someone had spoken to them about the potential problems of gambling.

“Our focus is on ensuring that children and young people are not able to spend money on age-restricted gambling products, with an appreciation of the wider context,” said Ben Haden, director of research and statistics for the Commission. 

“This is an important survey that provides one perspective on that question as we seek to protect children and vulnerable young people.”

Ygam warns against normalisation of gambling

Ygam welcomed the decline in young people’s gambling participation but warned against overlooking the wider risks associated with exposure to gambling from an early age.

Chief executive Emily Tofield pointed to the prevalence of gambling advertising and the growing overlap between gaming and gambling. She said preventative education, regulation and safeguards must keep pace with the experiences of children and young people.

“Any reduction in gambling participation among young people under 18 is welcome, but we cannot ignore the normalisation of gambling from an early age,” Tofield said.

She added that early exposure was associated with a greater risk of gambling-related harm later in life, highlighting the importance of education in helping young people recognise risks and build resilience.

“Education, regulation and safeguards must keep pace with the changing lives and experiences of children and young people,” Tofield said. “As an essential part of an effective public health approach, preventative education empowers them and their communities with the knowledge, understanding and resilience to recognise risks and prevent gambling harms.”

How reliable are the statistics?

Ahead of the Commission publishing its new data, industry commentator Dan Waugh raised questioned about the reliability of the numbers. 

In a recent analysis of the 2025 survey, Waugh highlighted figures suggesting that more than 32,000 schoolchildren had played games inside a casino during the previous 12 months. He added that the data also suggested more than 182,000 had placed a bet or played a machine in a licensed betting office. 

Waugh also raised concerns about methodology. He said asking adolescents to complete self-report questionnaires about gambling in a classroom, surrounded by their peers, could produce misleading responses. As was the case last year, the new 2026 survey was completed online by pupils in a classroom setting. 

“The truth is that rates of underage gambling in Britain are relatively low,” Waugh said.

NEXT.io has contacted the Gambling Commission for a response to these comments. 

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