Ygam, the charity for preventing gambling and gaming harm amongst young people, has published its annual student gambling survey.
Key findings were that 65% of university students have gambled in the past 12 months, rising to 75% among male students. And nearly 1 in 5 students (18%) are experiencing gambling harm.
The average weekly gambling spend has almost doubled, from £27.24 ($35.60) to £50.33. But over the past five years, gambling amongst students has fallen from 78% to 65%, and the proportion experiencing harms has decreased from 24% to 18%.
The research identifies a significant gender divide – male students are far more likely to gamble than females, and four out of 10 male students take part in online sports betting.
In total, 53% of student gamblers report that their primary reason is to make money; this comes as the cost-of-living continues to increase, pushing students further into potential debt.
Social media is also a contributing factor, with 34% of students who gamble say that social media is key to encouraging this behaviour.
The work done by Ygam and Gamstop has given increased awareness among students and young people. Emily Tofield, CEO of Ygam, said: “University should be an exciting and fulfilling experience, yet our comprehensive research has consistently shown that students are particularly vulnerable to gambling harms.
"It's clear that the digital world students are so immersed in is increasingly influencing gambling behaviours, and we must all be responsive to these new and emerging risks to ensure students have access to the education and support needed to safeguard them.”
In total, 46% of student gamblers report that gambling has negatively affected their university experience.
In November 2025, Tofield joined as CEO and used Children’s Mental Health Week to underline the importance of protecting children and young people from gambling harms.
University students who gamble are losing an average of £53 a week.
