A new report co-commissioned by GamStop and YGAM reveals a concerning rise in problem gambling among UK university students. The Fourth Annual Student Gambling Survey highlights that over one in six student gamblers are classified as high-risk, significantly exceeding the general population’s rate. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and enhanced support services within universities.
Student Gambling: A Growing Concern
The Fourth Annual Student Gambling Survey, conducted by Censuswide with 2,000 students across 17 UK cities, found that 49% of students gambled at least once in the past year. A significant 17% of these student gamblers were identified as high-risk according to the UK Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), with an additional 29% in the moderate-risk category. This indicates a much higher prevalence of gambling harm within the student population compared to the general public.
Financial Vulnerabilities and Motivations
The survey highlighted the severe financial implications of gambling for students, particularly young males. Male students’ average weekly gambling spend of £33.54 is comparable to their grocery expenditure (£36). Nearly one in ten student gamblers spend between £51-£100 weekly, often exceeding their food budgets. A concerning 17% of participants admitted to using student loans to fund gambling, and 45% of students (rising to 50% for males) gamble with the expectation of making money, despite the reality of financial losses.
Call for University Intervention
GamStop and YGAM are urging universities to take immediate action to address this escalating issue. Key recommendations include:
- Implementing targeted prevention education initiatives that consider cultural differences and support diverse student backgrounds.
- Integrating gambling harm prevention into existing student wellbeing strategies.
- Improving staff training to better identify and assist students at risk.
- Enhancing communication of available support services to students.
- Conducting further research into student gambling behavior, particularly the disconnect between the motivation to gamble for financial gain and actual losses.
Awareness and Support Gaps
While 53% of students are aware of university support services, only 59% of those who gamble feel confident accessing them. This highlights a critical gap in the accessibility and perceived effectiveness of current support mechanisms. Additionally, the survey revealed that 21% of students invested in cryptocurrency in the past year, with male students twice as likely to do so. PGSI data also indicated that 23% of Asian student gamblers experience problem gambling, with elevated low and moderate-risk rates.
Collaborative Initiatives
In response to these findings, YGAM has partnered with NUS Charity to launch the “Silence the Stigma” campaign. This initiative, set to launch at Queen Mary University of London, aims to foster open discussions about gambling-related harm and encourage students to seek support. Both Fiona Palmer, CEO of GamStop, and Dr. Jane Rigbye, CEO of YGAM, emphasized the importance of these findings and the ongoing need for collaboration with universities to safeguard students and build resilience against gambling harms.