Report
Lived experiences of gambling in teenage boys and young men: Qualitative research
Qualitative research to explore the lived experiences of teenage boys and young men aged 14 to 25 years.
Contents
- About the research
- Summary of findings
- Research approach
- Findings
-
- Gambling literacy is low and often surface-level
- Gaming as a potential entry point to gambling
- Turning 18 marks a formal transition to "adult" gambling
- Gambling embedded in social life is more likely to persist
- Money matters more with age and experience
- Online exposure makes gambling feel ever-present
- Risks, impacts, and warning signs
- Conclusions
- Appendix
About the research
Gambling is a popular and visible part of life in Great Britain, and research shows that boys and young men are more likely than other groups to take part in gambling or gambling-like activities. Findings show that boys and young men are also more likely to experience problem gambling compared to other demographic groups. In particular, this has been reflected in the Gambling Commission’s Young People and Gambling Survey, where boys are more likely to meet the threshold for experiencing problem gambling, and the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), where young men are more likely to score 8 or above on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), again indicative of experiencing problem gambling.
Recent qualitative research with 11 to 17 year olds found that boys are often more exposed to gambling content and experiences, highlighting a need to understand how this continues into early adulthood.
To build on these findings, the Commission commissioned this research to explore the lived experiences of teenage boys and young men aged 14 to 25 years old. The work forms part of the Commission’s Evidence Theme 1: Early gambling experiences and gateway products (and the associated roadmap for Early gambling experiences and gateway products) and contributes to the implementation of the Gambling Act Review.
The study set out to:
- understand awareness and perceptions of gambling and gambling-like behaviours
- explore how and where gambling begins for this group
- examine the social and cultural factors that shape participation
- identify potential risks, impacts and early warning signs of harm.
The research aims to strengthen understanding of how gambling fits into teenage boys’ and young men’s lives and to inform future policy, regulation, and education designed to reduce gambling-related harm.
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Summary of findings - Lived experiences of gambling in teenage boys and young men
Last updated: 11 December 2025
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