Report
Annual Report and Accounts 2022 to 2023
The Gambling Commission's 2022 to 2023 Annual Report and Accounts. For the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.
Who young people were with when they gambled
Young people were asked who they were with the last time they gambled. Typically, they were with a parent, carer or guardian (75 percent). Two in five young people were with a friend who was aged 17 or younger (40 percent) or with a sibling (41 percent), including 26 percent who were with a brother or sister aged 17 or younger. Less than 1 in 10 (8 percent) were alone.
Figure 1.4: Who young people were with when they experienced gambling activities
Figure 1.4 information
GAMSPEND2. Last time you did [this activity or these activities] who were you with?
Base: All 11 to 17 year olds who selected any activity 1 to 17 at GAMSPEND 2025 (2,542).
Note: this is a multiple response question, therefore answers do not sum to 100 percent.
| Who young people were with when they experienced gambling activities | 2025 (percentage) (this is a multiple response question; therefore, answers do not sum to 100 percent) |
|---|---|
| Parent(s), carer(s) or guardian(s) | 75% |
| Friend(s) aged 17 or younger | 40% |
| Brother(s) or sister(s) aged 17 or younger | 26% |
| Brother(s) or sister(s) aged 18 or older | 15% |
| I was alone | 8% |
| Friend(s) aged 18 or older | 6% |
| Others | 9% |
| Do not know | 6% |
The pattern of who young people were with when they last gambled is broadly similar to that reported in 2024. However, the data shows a rise in the number of young people gambling with friends aged 17 or younger, from 37 percent in 2024 to 40 percent in 2025, and a slight reduction in those gambling alone, decreasing from 10 percent to 8 percent. This aligns with increased participation in activities like playing arcade gaming machines and placing bets, often done in social settings with peers.
Table 1.4: Who young people were with when they experienced gambling activities 2024 to 2025
GAMSPEND2. Last time you did [this activity or these activities] who were you with?
Base: All answering who selected any activity 1 to 17 at GAMSPEND 2024 (2,331), 2025 (2,542).
Note: This is a multiple response question, therefore answers do not sum to 100 percent.
| Who young people were with when they experienced gambling activities in 2024 and 2025 | 2024 (percentage) | 2025 (percentage) | Statistical difference 2025 compared with 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent(s), carer(s) or guardian(s) | 73% | 75% | No significant difference |
| Friend(s) aged 17 or younger | 37% | 40% | Significant increase |
| Brother(s) or sister(s) aged 17 or younger | 26% | 26% | No significant difference |
| Brother(s) or sister(s) aged 18 or older | 14% | 15% | No significant difference |
| I was alone | 10% | 8% | Significant decrease |
| Friend(s) aged 18 or older | 7% | 6% | No significant difference |
| Others | 9% | 9% | No significant difference |
| Do not know | 6% | 6% | No significant difference |
Last updated: 13 November 2025
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