Uncovering the players: Who are the individuals contributing to the rising gambling statistics across Europe?
In the ever-evolving landscape of gambling, a noteworthy pattern has emerged among young students across Europe. According to recent research, the prevalence of gambling among this demographic varies significantly by country, with southern European and Balkan nations reporting higher rates.
The ESPAD study conducted in 2024 revealed that, on average, 23% of 15-16-year-old students across 37 European countries reported gambling for money in the past year. However, the lowest rate was observed in Georgia, at 9.5%, while Italy reported a staggering 45%, followed closely by Greece at 36%.
A more pronounced increase in harmful gambling has been observed among girls, contrasting the general trend of male dominance in European gambling. This faster escalation may be linked to biological and psychosocial factors, although further research is required to fully detail these connections.
The rise in underage gambling can be attributed to several factors. Online gambling and betting on sports/events have seen considerable growth among young people, contributing to higher engagement and risk. Age and school year also play a significant role, with the risk of developing problem gambling increasing with advancing age.
Cultural and regional influences also contribute to the prevalence of gambling among young students. Underage gambling is more frequent in southern Europe and the Balkans, possibly due to differences in legal restrictions, cultural acceptance, and accessibility of gambling opportunities.
However, not all European countries follow this trend. Scandinavian and Central European countries predominantly belong to the low-prevalence group for gambling among students.
The legal and regulatory environment also plays a role in shaping gambling patterns. For instance, countries like Germany prohibit online gambling entirely, which may influence prevalence rates.
The consequences of gambling can be severe, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighting potential harms such as financial stress, relationship breakdown, family violence, mental illness, and suicide. Consequently, the number of people looking for help to stop gambling addiction across Europe has also increased.
Last year, the number of customers on online gambling platforms in the European Union and the United Kingdom reached 38.6 million, a 19% increase from 2023. Online casinos currently remain the largest contributor to Europe's online gambling market at €21.5 billion, followed by sports and events betting at €13.7 billion.
EGBA's members, including Bet365 and Entain, represent approximately 30% of Europe's online gambling gross gaming revenue. As the industry continues to grow, it is crucial to address the rising concerns of problem gambling among young people and implement measures to promote responsible gambling practices.
References:
- European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD). (2024). Gambling Report.
- World Health Organisation (WHO). (n.d.). Gambling.
- National Centre for Education Research (NCER). (2024). Gambling Among Young Students in Europe.
- European Gambling and Betting Association (EGBA). (n.d.). About EGBA.
- Gambling Commission. (2024). Research on Gambling in Europe.
In the evolving European business landscape, the gambling sector, particularly online casinos, has seen significant growth among young students. Despite cultural differences, countries like Italy and Greece have reported higher rates of gambling among 15-16-year-olds, a trend predominant in southern Europe and the Balkans. As the online gambling market continues to flourish, reaching €35.2 billion in 2024 with entities like Bet365 and Entain accounting for a significant share, it is crucial for the industry to prioritize addressing problem gambling among young people and fostering responsible financial practices.
