A new study published by GambleAware, an independent charity that funds research and prevention programmes on gambling harm across Great Britain, analyses the impact of gambling-related harm on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The study's primary finding is that gambling-related harm disproportionately affects young adults living in the most deprived areas of the country, revealing widening disparities across age, income and ethnicity.
According to the analysis, individuals aged 18 to 24 in the most deprived fifth of neighbourhoods show an estimated 11% rate of problem gambling, compared with 4% in the least deprived areas. The findings highlight how social and economic inequality intersect with gambling exposure and access across the country.
The study also identified marked differences across ethnic groups. Young adults of black background reported a 23% problem gambling rate, compared with 6% among white participants. Among those classified as "at-risk" gamblers, 45% reported low mental well-being and 24% showed high risk of suicidality.
Anna Hargrave, Chief Executive Transition at GambleAware, said: "Our research has shown that gambling from a younger age increases the likelihood that someone will go on to experience harm from gambling. We are increasingly concerned about the impact gambling is having on young people across society, and this report has highlighted the scale of the issue for younger people from minority communities."
The report points to several contributing factors, including financial insecurity, exposure to online marketing, and higher participation in at-risk gambling formats. More than one-third of betting shops in Britain are located within the most deprived 10% of neighbourhoods, underscoring the concentration of gambling opportunities in economically disadvantaged areas.
GambleAware has urged policymakers to strengthen local authority powers over gambling venue density and to include health warning messages in advertising and marketing.
A recent study by the Italian Fondazione Fair also found that 41.4% of Italians aged 18-25 had gambled in the past three months
