A recent sector-wide study revealed that university students in the UK who gamble are now losing an average of over £50 per week, nearly doubling the losses recorded just a year ago.
The study was conducted in December 2025 by Censuswide on behalf of gambling support charity Ygam and the national self-exclusion register Gamstop, with 2,000 students surveyed. The fifth annual Student Gambling Survey found that 65% of students had gambled at least once in the previous year.
This latest figure aligns with broader data from a five-year study of 10,000 students, which found that overall participation has declined from 78% in 2022 to 65% in 2026, suggesting that while fewer students are gambling, those who are may be engaging more intensely.
Participation rates were significantly higher among men (75%) than women (55%) and varied across ethnic groups: 50% of Asian students reported gambling versus 72% of White students.
Double the spending
The survey identified the National Lottery as the most commonly engaged gambling activity, with 31% of respondents participating, followed closely by online sports betting at 29%. Sports betting showed a strong gender disparity, with 41% of male students placing bets compared to 17% of female students.
Frequency of gambling varied by product type. Sports bettors gambled approximately 116 days per year on average whereas online slot machine players gambled around 103 days annually. Lottery play averaged 65 days per year.
A significant increase in weekly spending was reported. An average student gambler spent £50.33 weekly, nearly double the £27.24 reported the previous year.
The rise in spending comes despite declining participation rates over time, reinforcing findings from the five-year dataset that gambling intensity and financial exposure among active users is increasing.
Three-quarters of student gamblers spent more than £10 per week, and 23% spent over £50 weekly. Male gamblers spent markedly more (£64.89) than female gamblers (£30.93).
Meanwhile up to 53% of gamblers indicated their primary reason was “to make money”, up from 45% in 2024. Other reasons included socialising and seeking excitement, with 4% saying they gambled because they were unable to stop.
Sources of gambling funds primarily comprised salary or earnings (52%), followed by savings (37%) and student loans (21%).
In a recent survey by Nationwide released earlier in March it was reported that, from a sample of 2000 UK gamblers, the top 10% of spenders wagered an average of approximately £745 per month.
Problem gambling rates among students has declined
Using the short-form Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), 18% of student gamblers were classified as experiencing problem gambling, with a further 30% at moderate risk and 16% at low risk. Male students and those identifying as Mixed, Black, or Asian reported higher problem gambling scores.
While still significant, the proportion of students experiencing problem gambling has declined over time, falling from 24% in 2023 to 18% in 2026 according to the five-year study. This suggests some progress in harm reduction, even as other risk factors may have intensified.
Almost half (46%) of student gamblers acknowledged that gambling had negatively affected their university experience. This included difficulty affording food (15%), missed social activities (14%) and missed lectures and assignment issues. Meanwhile, 7% sought hardship loans and 6% considered deferring or dropping out due to gambling.
“The Annual Student Gambling Survey reveals a worrying lack of awareness about the risks of gambling in the student community and the impact on students who struggle to control their gambling, but it is encouraging to see more awareness of the support available.” said Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop.
“Self-exclusion is an important tool and nearly 60,000 under-25s are registered with Gamstop – a 75% increase over the last five years.”
UK national self-exclusion register Gamstop Online reported a 40% increase in registrations from consumers aged 16-24 in H2 of 2025.
In the six months to 31 December 2025, Gamstop Online recorded 58,675 new registrations, an average of 319 per day. Players aged 16-24 accounted for 29% of new sign-ups during the period.
The social media effect
Friends remained the most commonly cited influence on gambling decisions (36%), closely followed by social media (34%) and sporting events (32%). The survey highlighted a sharp rise in social media’s role, reflecting increased exposure to gambling-related content from influencers and social platforms.
The five-year analysis highlighted social media as an emerging risk factor, with increased digital exposure coinciding with higher spending levels and more frequent engagement among student gamblers.
Awareness of university support for gambling-related issues did seemingly improve, with 58% of student gamblers aware of available on-campus help, up from 53% in the previous year. Confidence in accessing support similarly rose, with 69% feeling at least “somewhat confident”. However, awareness and confidence were lower among students of Mixed and Asian ethnic backgrounds.
Beyond traditional gambling, 37% of respondents reported investing in cryptocurrency, with a gender gap evident (51% of men vs 25% of women). Video gaming was prevalent (85%) and, among gamers, 75% had purchased “random chance” items such as loot boxes or packs. This was an increase from 66% in the previous year. Just over half (57%) considered these purchases to constitute a form of gambling.
Three in five students gamble with the aim of making money
Ygam and Gamstop highlighted the growing financial pressures faced by students as a likely driver of increased gambling. They noted that three in five students gambled with the aim of making money amid stretched household budgets.
Emily Tofield, CEO of Ygam said: “Ygam is urging universities and student unions to recognise and address gambling harms with the same focus and seriousness as other commonly discussed risky behaviours, including drinking and drug use.”
Similar data from Gamcare earlier this month revealed that nearly 2,000 people in the UK sought financial guidance for gambling-related financial issues in 2025. In January 2026 alone, a record 233 referrals were made to the Money Guidance Service, close to three times higher than the same month of 2025.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/sustainable-gambling/student-gamblers-are-losing-over-50-per-week-new-survey-reports/
