This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
Published on October 15, 2019, the UK Gambling Commission revealed that 2 in every 3 undergraduates, or approximately 1.2 million, have gambled in the past few months.
One of the primary reasons for this trend is the ease of access to sports betting platforms, which are readily available to students. Additionally, the average student may need to come up with an extra £250, making sports betting an attractive option.
With the rise of gaming operators like Bingo opening shops at university campus events, games such as roulette, Bingo, Lotto, blackjack, and horseraces have become increasingly popular among students.
College and university students are known to take risks, and gambling is no exception. Students wager for various reasons, including trying to win quick money to support their lifestyles, following sports, or simply due to the immense presence of gambling on university campuses.
While some students experience a negative impact from sports betting, particularly those who engage in it solely to win cash, others find it enjoyable and rewarding, especially when they use strategies to make it more interesting.
Other reasons why students are drawn to sports betting include its convenience, ease of getting started, and affordability. Unlike other hobbies that require equipment, rules, and learning, sports betting only needs an internet-powered device and a small deposit.
However, studies reveal that while most students gamble responsibly, about 6% have gambling issues that can lead to debt, failing grades, and psychological difficulties. To address this, the Gambling Commission has created a list of ways to keep students safe when gambling, including setting betting limits, researching, and seeking help if needed.
