A recent industry survey in the UK shows that the average university student involved in gambling is now losing over 50 pounds per week, a figure that has almost doubled compared to last year. This survey, conducted by Censuswide in December 2025 on behalf of the gambling support charity Ygam and the national self-exclusion registry Gamstop, covered 2000 students. The report also found that in the past year, 65% of students had participated in gambling at least once, with as many as 53% stating that the main purpose was "to make money," up from 45% in 2024.
Honestly, this trend is somewhat worrying. Although long-term data from a five-year study shows that the overall percentage of students involved in gambling has decreased from 78% in 2022 to 65% in 2026, it seems to indicate that the number of participants is decreasing, but those who remain are getting deeper into it. The data shows that the participation rate among males (75%) is significantly higher than that among females (55%), with notable differences among ethnic groups: 50% for Asian students and 72% for white students.
Weekly expenses doubled, earning money as the main motive
The survey found that the average weekly expenditure of student gamblers is 50.33 pounds, compared to 27.24 pounds a year ago. More specifically, three-quarters of them spend more than 10 pounds per week, and 23% spend over 50 pounds. Male gamblers spend an average of 64.89 pounds per week, while females spend 30.93 pounds.
Where does their money come from? Mainly from wages or part-time jobs (52%), followed by savings (37%) and student loans (21%). In terms of participation, the national lottery is the most common (31%), followed by online sports betting (29%). The gender difference in sports betting is very pronounced: 41% of males participate, compared to only 17% of females.
It is noteworthy that the frequency of gambling varies by type. Sports bettors bet on average about 116 days a year, online slot players about 103 days, and lottery players about 65 days. When asked why they gamble, 53% said it was to make money, other reasons included socializing, seeking excitement, and even 4% admitted "they can't stop."
The rate of problem gambling has decreased, but the negative impact is still significant
Although losses are increasing, it is somewhat comforting that the rate of problem gambling has improved. According to the brief problem gambling severity index, 18% of student gamblers are classified as having problem gambling behavior, with another 30% at moderate risk and 16% at low risk. This ratio has decreased compared to 24% in 2023. However, males and students of mixed, black, or Asian backgrounds still score higher in this regard.
Nearly half (46%) of student gamblers admit that gambling has had a negative impact on their university life. Specifically:
15% say they struggle to afford food
14% missed social events
Others have missed classes and affected their studies
7% have applied for hardship loans
6% have even considered delaying graduation or dropping out
Gamstop CEO Fiona Palmer points out that this survey reveals a worrying reality: students are severely underestimating the risks of gambling, but it is encouraging that awareness of available support services is increasing.
Social media influence has soared, awareness of self-exclusion has strengthened
In factors influencing gambling decisions, friends still rank first (36%), but the influence of social media has climbed to 34%, closely following, far higher than sports events (32%). The survey particularly emphasizes that the role of social media has risen sharply over the past year, which is related to students' increasing exposure to influencers and gambling content pushed by platforms.
The good news is that students' awareness of school-related support services has improved, with 58% aware of help available on campus, up from 53% last year. 69% of them say they are "at least somewhat confident" in their ability to seek help. However, students of mixed and Asian backgrounds still have lower confidence in this regard.
In addition to traditional gambling, the report also focuses on other related behaviors. 37% of respondents said they had invested in cryptocurrencies, with males (51%) far outnumbering females (25%). The prevalence of video games is as high as 85%, and among those who play games, 75% have purchased "random draw" items, such as loot boxes or card packs, an increase from 66% last year. Just over half (57%) believe that such purchases also count as a form of gambling.
Ygam and Gamstop point out that the financial pressures faced by students may be a significant driver of increased gambling behavior. Ygam CEO Emily Tofield calls for universities and student unions to take gambling harms as seriously as they do drinking and drug use. Data from Gamcare also shows that nearly 2000 people sought guidance in the UK for gambling-related financial problems in 2025 alone, and a record 233 cases were referred to money guidance services in January 2026 alone, nearly triple the number from the same period last year.
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