Ygam alerts that students are being increasingly influenced by social media gambling

(AsiaGameHub) –   A recent study by Ygam indicates that social media is playing an increasingly significant role in how students engage with gambling.

As unlicensed operators continue to infiltrate social media platforms, 34% of students who gamble identified these platforms as a primary influence on their gambling habits.

Emily Tofield, CEO of Ygam, stated: “It is evident that the digital environment students inhabit is having a growing impact on their gambling activities. We must proactively address these emerging risks to ensure students receive the education and support necessary for their protection.”

This follows warnings from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regarding the promotion of unlicensed operators on social media, with the regulator highlighting the “very limited progress” made by these platforms.

Earlier this year, Tim Miller, the UKGC’s Executive Director of Research and Policy, criticized Meta, remarking: “I would be surprised if Meta, as a global tech leader, could not use its keyword tools to block illegal gambling advertisements. It creates the impression that they are content to ignore the issue and profit from criminals and scammers until public pressure forces them to act.”

During the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit last week, Rob Mabbett of Better Change cautioned that the UKGC is fighting a lopsided battle against the black market and its advertising tactics.

He noted that young people face heightened risks due to content on social media, including interactions with influencers, celebrities, and YouTubers within a new digital landscape.

Mabbett argued for more robust regulation of big tech and social media companies, warning that the regulated sector is currently subject to policy decisions that lack proper testing or scrutiny.

The influence of social media has grown substantially, as fewer than one in four students identified it as a factor in Ygam’s initial 2022 student gambling survey.

Tofield also urged universities and student unions to treat gambling harm with the same level of urgency as other issues like substance abuse. This aligns with recommendations from the coroner who investigated the 2020 death of Lee Adams, a gambling addict who died from a beta-blocker overdose following a gambling session.

Julian Morris, Senior Coroner for Inner South London, suggested that medical professionals should screen for gambling issues just as they do for smoking or alcohol consumption.

Ygam’s data also revealed that some students spend more on gambling than on food.

The charity calculated an average gambling expenditure of £50.33. By comparison, the National Student Money Survey reports that students spend an average of £33.70 per week on groceries, suggesting that for some, gambling costs exceed their food budget.

The study found that 65% of students have gambled in the past year, a decline from the 78% reported in the first Annual Student Gambling Survey in 2022.

Additionally, the percentage of students reporting gambling-related harm dropped from 24% in 2023 to 18% in 2026.

Further survey results showed that slightly over half of student gamblers are primarily motivated by the desire to earn money. Male students are more likely to gamble than their female counterparts, with male average spending more than double that of females.

These spending concerns align with recent figures from GamCare, which reported that the number of individuals seeking financial assistance through its Money Guidance Services doubled in 2025.

Reported debt also rose sharply, climbing from £2.8m in 2024 to £7.2m last year, resulting in an average debt of £21,269 per person.

Rising awareness

On a more positive note, Ygam found that 58% of students who gamble are aware of available support services, and 69% feel confident in their ability to access them.

Data from GamStop shows that 60,000 individuals under the age of 25 are registered with the service, representing a 75% increase over the past five years.

Fiona Palmer, CEO of The Gamstop Group, added: “While the Annual Student Gambling Survey highlights a concerning lack of awareness regarding gambling risks and the impact on those struggling to maintain control, it is heartening to see increased recognition of the support that is available.”

This data arrives as the UK transitions to a new NHS-led funding model for gambling harm treatment, supported by a Statutory Levy. However, there is growing anxiety regarding the efficacy of this new system as charities await confirmation of government funding.

The findings from Ygam and GamStop underscore the necessity of maintaining robust treatment services to ensure that individuals of all ages can access help when required.