Gamstop Study Reveals Alarming Gambling Trends Among UK Male Students

Gamstop recently conducted a survey that found alarming patterns among male students in the UK. Ten percent of these students spend more money each week on gaming than on groceries, according to the survey. One in ten students specifically reported gambling between £51 and £100 each week, and the same amount claimed having trouble paying for meals as a result of their gambling-related problems.

In contrast to the average weekly grocery expenditure of £36 reported in the National Student Money Survey 2024, the average weekly gaming expenditure for male students was £33.54. The Annual Student Gambling Survey, which was carried out by the market research firm Censuswide, involved 2,000 college students from 17 different UK cities. Gamstop and Ygam (Young Gamblers Education Trust), a nonprofit organization, commissioned the study.

High-Risk Gambling Behaviors and Motivations

This marks the fourth iteration of the report, which last year found almost half of UK university students who bet were spending beyond their means. The recent survey reported that 17% of students were at “high risk” of gambling harm, while 49% had gambled at least once in the past year.

The study highlighted that 25% of male students engaged in online sports betting, placing bets on average 91 days a year. Betting emerged as the most popular form of gambling among students, with nearly one in two (45%) gambling “to make money.”

Additionally, 40% of the sample said gambling had negatively impacted their university experience, and one in ten struggled to afford food. Just over half (53%) of students were aware of support systems available at their universities.

The study also explored the link between gaming and gambling. Half of the respondents viewed randomised in-game item purchases, like lootboxes, as gambling. Meanwhile, 66% had paid for such items in games. Furthermore, 21% of students had invested in cryptocurrency, with males twice as likely to do so compared to females.

The report recommended more targeted prevention education around gambling for young people, considering cultural differences. It also suggested that universities should integrate gambling harm prevention and support into student wellbeing plans.

Gamstop CEO Fiona Palmer stated, “Although gambling has decreased slightly in universities, the risk of gambling harm is far higher than in the general population and students need to be educated about the consequences of gambling in the expectation of making money. We know from the university roadshows we run with Ygam that there is an appetite amongst students to learn more about the support available, which includes self-exclusion to take a break from gambling.”

Earlier this month, Gamstop reported a 31% year-on-year increase in registrations from people under 25 during the second half of 2024.