As the dust settles on Cheltenham Festival the question is asked, are we doing enough to protect young people from the dangers of gambling?
Cheltenham Festival, one of the biggest events in the horse racing calendar, took place last week, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators and millions in bets. But while the festival is celebrated for its thrilling races and social atmosphere, it has also highlighted growing concerns about the rise of gambling among young people.
For many, gambling starts as a casual and social activity, often encouraged by friends or sporting events. Will Jones, a 21-year-old student from Swansea, is one of many young individuals whose relationship with betting began harmlessly.
“It all started when I was 18. A few mates and I started betting on football matches, nothing serious at first,” Will explains. “But then I started using betting apps on my phone when I wasn’t out with friends, and that’s when things really took off.”
Will’s experience reflects a worrying trend. At the “Invades” student raceday event at Chepstow racecourse last weekend, he placed a single bet and won £1200. However, within hours, he had lost it all.
“I was on this high, right? I thought I had the Midas touch or something. I started placing more bets, thinking I could make even more, but it obviously didnt go that way bad. I ended up losing the £1200 trying to chase my losses,” Will admits. Despite the loss, he doesn’t feel much regret. “It’s whatever, really. You win some, you lose some. It’s just part of betting.”
His story is far from unique. According to a recent Gambling Commission report, 1.5% of young people aged 16 to 24 are classified as problem gamblers, a dramatic increase from just 0.4% the previous year. Similarly, a CARE report found that 1.4% of individuals in the same age group were identified as problem gamblers, more than tripling over the past year.
These statistics underline the dangers of gambling among youth, as their exposure to gambling apps and online betting platforms continues to grow. A survey conducted by Gambling News found that 27% of 11 to 17-year-olds spent their own money on gambling in the past year, with arcade gaming machines being the most popular form.
“It’s way too easy. You can just tap a few buttons, and boom, you’re betting. It’s like you’re not really thinking about it,” Will says. This simplicity, combined with the constant notifications and promotions that gambling apps send, creates an environment where it’s easy to keep betting, often without considering the potential consequences.
The risks associated with young people’s gambling have not gone unnoticed by betting companies. In a statement regarding the Cheltenham Festival, one major bookmaker groups said, “We are committed to ensuring that all our customers enjoy the festival responsibly and remind everyone to bet within their limits. Through our safer gambling initiatives, we continue to promote a fun and sustainable betting experience for all.”
However, gambling awareness groups argue that these efforts are not enough. A spokesperson from a leading gambling charity warned, “While betting companies often highlight responsible gambling messages, we are seeing an increasing number of young people developing gambling problems. The industry’s reliance on apps and the constant flow of promotions makes it easier than ever for young individuals to get hooked on gambling. Without proper safeguards in place, the risks are only going to grow.”
With gambling apps offering 24/7 access, young people can bet in isolation, often without support or guidance. “I think it’s a problem with our generation,” says Will. “It’s so simple, you can do it anywhere. It’s not like you have to go to a bookies or anything. You just open an app, show some ID and you’re off.”
The rise in gambling among young people is becoming a serios public health concern. The Gambling Commission’s statistics clearly show the scale of the problem, with more and more young individuals falling into patterns of problem gambling. As the stakes grow, it’s becoming increasingly important to address the role of gambling apps in facilitating easy access to betting.
Studies have shown that gambling addiction can lead to severe mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Young people who develop gambling problems often find themselves trapped in a cycle of loss, which can lead to financial difficulties and social isolation.
Despite growing awareness, campaigners argue that more action is needed. Public health campaigns, stricter regulations on gambling advertising, and better access to support services are essential to tackling this issue.
In the meantime, young people like Will continue to walk the fine line between casual betting and problem gambling, often unaware of just how dangerous it can be. As major sporting events like the Cheltenham Festival fuel the excitement around betting, the question remains: are we doing enough to protect the next generation from gambling harm?