Dining on Digital Chances: 10% of UK Students Put Gambling Before Food
UK Study Uncovers: 10% of Male University Students Shell Out More on Gambling Than on Nutrition
In a shocking revelation, the self-exclusion gambling organization, Gamstop, unveiled a study on March 3, 2025. The study reveals that an alarming number of students in the UK are falling prey to the lure of gambling. Startlingly, 10% of male students admitted to spending an average of £51 to £100 weekly on online casinos and sports betting, a staggering sum that often leaves them short of funds for essentials like food.
According to the study, the average spending among all male students stands at £33.54. However, it's crucial to note that many students spend less or no money on gambling. The staggering figures have led to concerns about the financial stability of these students, as they struggle to make ends meet due to their gambling habits.
Fiona Palmer, the CEO of Gamstop, expressed her concerns, stating, "Although gambling at universities has slightly decreased, the risk of gambling addiction among students remains significantly higher than in the general population. Students need to be educated about the consequences of gambling in the hope of making money."
Gambling: A Burgeoning Problem on Campus
The study was conducted by Censuswide, a market research group, and commissioned by Gamstop and YGAM, a charity that focuses on education and prevention in the field of gambling addiction. The survey showed that nearly half of all student gamblers are overspending, and a concerning 17% are at high risk of developing a gambling addiction. Online sports betting is particularly popular among these students, with 25% placing an average of 91 bets per year.
Interestingly, a recent study by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) found that many Britons use gambling as an escape from their daily struggles. This trend seems to hold true for students as well.
A Warning on Loot Boxes and Crypto Investments
In addition to raising concerns about gambling addiction, Gamstop also warned about the potential link between loot boxes and gambling expenditure among UK students. According to the survey, half of the students consider random in-game purchases (loot boxes) as a form of gambling. Moreover, 66% of the respondents have already spent money on loot boxes in games.
The survey also revealed that 21% of students have invested in cryptocurrencies in the last 12 months. Male students were found to be twice as likely as their female counterparts to acquire digital currency.
As the tide of gambling-related issues among students continues to rise, it's crucial for universities to take action. Given the increasing financial strain on students, focusing on education and support seems like a prudent step towards addressing this growing concern.
- The study by Censuswide, commissioned by Gamstop and YGAM, found that online sports betting is popular among UK students, with 25% of student gamblers placing an average of 91 bets per year.
- The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) found that many Britons use gambling as an escape from their daily struggles, and this trend seems to hold true for students as well, as indicated by the Gamstop study.
- Gamstop also warned about the potential link between loot boxes and gambling expenditure among UK students, with half of the students considering random in-game purchases as a form of gambling.
- The survey revealed that 21% of students have invested in cryptocurrencies in the last 12 months, with male students being twice as likely as their female counterparts to acquire digital currency.
