Gambling Commission publishes latest survey on young people and gambling
The Gambling Commission said on 12 November 2026 that its annual survey of children and young people's exposure to gambling shows a statistically significant rise in the proportion who have never gambled.
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The Gambling Commission published the Young People and Gambling Report 2026 on 12 November 2026, presenting the findings of its annual survey into how children and young people experience and engage with gambling.
The survey was based on responses from 3,867 11 to 17 year-olds who completed an online questionnaire at academies, maintained and independent schools across England, Scotland and Wales. The Commission said the research is conducted every year to provide insights that guide regulatory action and inform wider efforts to protect children and vulnerable young people from gambling-related harm.
According to the Commission, 74% of 11 to 17 year-olds said they had never gambled, a statistically significant increase from 69.6% the previous year. It said 26% had spent their own money on gambling in the last year, with most of this activity involving legal or non age-restricted products. Some 5% reported spending their own money on age-restricted gambling products.
The Commission said there was no statistically significant change in the proportion of young people reporting negative consequences from gambling, such as missing school, lying to family or friends, or spending dinner money on gambling, with 0.9% reporting this compared with 1.2% the previous year.
The most common non-restricted gambling activities reported were playing arcade gaming machines such as penny pushers or claw grab machines, at 19%, placing a bet for money with friends or family, at 11%, and playing cards for money with friends or family, at 5%.
Ben Haden, Director of Research and Statistics at the Gambling Commission, said: “The Commission’s 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.”
The Commission said analysis of trends between 2022 and 2026 points to an overall decline in participation, with the proportion of young people experiencing gambling in the last 12 months falling from 50% in 2022 to 45% in 2026, and the proportion spending their own money on gambling falling from 31% to 26% over the same period.
The report also examined young people’s exposure to gambling advertising, including on social media, and the relationship between gambling and gaming. The Commission said the survey relies on self-reported responses and should be interpreted as estimates rather than independently verified measures of behaviour.