1 IN 8 KIDS GAMBLING
Warning as children exposed to betting through social media and video games
TECHNOLOGY is allowing half a million UK children to gamble without protection or understanding of the risks, according to a shock report.
Social media and computer games are among the products that allow children to experience gambling in situations where the risks are not always explained, the Gambling Commission said.
Twelve per cent of 11 to 16-yearolds had spent their own money on gambling in the past week, a survey for the report found.
About 11 per cent had played free gambling-style social games online and 11 per cent had bet with in-game items such as tokens when playing computer or app-based games.
Just under one per cent of the age group are “problem gamblers,” while 1.3 per cent are at risk.
The Gambling Commission’s Tim Miller said: “We require gambling operators to have strong protections in place to prevent children accessing their products.
“However, it is clear that many children’s experiences of gambling are coming from the playground, the games console or social media rather than the bookmaker, the casino or the gambling website.”
Marc Etches, of the charity GambleAware, said: “GambleAware is very concerned about how increasingly children are being introduced to gambling via social media, video gaming and free-to-play casino games online.
“Parents and family members often introduce young people to gambling, whether that is placing a bet or buying a scratchcard, but will do so without explaining the nature of gambling or the associated risks.”