UK College Students: 10 Percent of Male Participants Reportedly Spending More on Gambling Than on Food Expenses
In a recent study published by Gamstop on March 3, 2025, concerns have been raised about the increased risk of gambling among students in the UK. The study, commissioned by Gamstop and YGAM, a charity focused on education and prevention of gambling addiction, was updated on April 29, 2025.
The study, known as the Student Gambling Survey, is conducted annually by market research group Censuswide. The findings reveal that within the last 12 months, 21% of survey respondents have invested in cryptocurrencies, with male students being twice as likely as their female peers to do so.
Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop, commented on the report, stating that although gambling at universities has slightly decreased, the risk of gambling addiction among students remains significantly higher than in the general population. She also emphasised the need for students to be educated about the consequences of gambling in the hope of making informed decisions.
Online sports betting is particularly prevalent among students, with 25% of male students placing bets on average 91 days a year. The study also found that every tenth male student in the UK spends between £51 and £100 weekly on gambling. Alarmingly, almost half of all student gamblers spend more money than they can afford.
Another concerning finding is the link between loot boxes and gambling expenditures among UK students. According to the survey, 66% of respondents said they had already spent money on loot boxes in games, and half of students consider these random in-game purchases as gambling. Gamstop sees this as a significant issue that warrants further investigation.
The report also highlights the impact of gambling on students' financial wellbeing. Many students are no longer able to buy food due to their gambling expenditures. The average expenditure of all male students is £33.54, as many spend less or not at all.
A recent study by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) shows that many Britons use gambling as an escape from everyday life. Fiona Palmer's comments reiterate the need for continued education and awareness campaigns to help students understand the risks associated with gambling.
The study was edited by Angela Burke and published on April 4, 2025. Despite the concerning findings, it is important to remember that the majority of students do not have a gambling problem. However, the data reinforces the need for continued vigilance and support for those who may be at risk.
