This section of the report maps out gambling participation in the context of other risk-taking behaviours (such as smoking, drinking and drug-taking), and other activities that young people like to do in their spare time. It highlights both the reasons why young people choose to gamble and why they do not. As well as looking at who young people gamble with and any experiences of being stopped from gambling.

Throughout this chapter we make comparisons to the data in 2022. However, it should be noted that the 2022 sample did not include year 12 pupils or independent schools, so any differences are indicative only.

Across the last 12 months, (40 percent) of 11 to 17 year olds had experienced some form of gambling. This is a higher proportion than those who participated in other risk-taking behaviours, such as vaping (20 percent); smoking a cigarette (9 percent) or using illegal drugs (8 percent). However, the most common behaviour was drinking an alcoholic drink (42 percent).

It is important to note the context for gambling: most (74 percent) young people who have ever spent their own money on gambling were with their parents or guardians at the time and say they did so for fun (80 percent).

In contrast, a lack of interest in gambling (44 percent) is the most common reason for not gambling, followed by the recognition that it is illegal for young people to gamble (37 percent).

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Setting gambling in the context of other risk-taking behaviours

Last updated: 16 November 2023

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Young People and Gambling 2023: Official statistics

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