Half of 11 to 17-year-olds experienced betting over the previous year and 30% spent their own cash doing so, according to most current figures.
Those taking part in betting with their own money is up from 27% in 2024, the Gambling Commission's and Gambling Report stated.
However, the regulator stated the research study revealed that it was not children being motivated or permitted to bet underage that was driving the boost however instead increased involvement in gambling that was either legal or did not need guideline, such as personal wagering in between pals.
Each year this report further reinforces understanding of the relationship between youths and betting
Tim Miller, Gambling Commission
The proportion of children experiencing problems with their gaming was 1.2%, which the commission described as "statistically steady" with 2024's 1.5%.
The study was brought out among 3,666 11 to 17-year-olds attending academies, preserved and independent schools in England, Scotland and Wales, with students completing online self-completion studies in class.
The most common kinds of betting that youths spent their own cash on remained those that were legal or not age-restricted, most typically arcade gaming devices such as cent pusher or claw grab makers (21%), followed by positioning a bet for cash in between pals or household (14%) and playing cards with buddies or household for money (5%).
Arcade gaming was one of the most typical types of gambing among children, the report discovered (Alamy/PA)
Tim Miller, the Gambling Commission's executive director of research and policy, said: "Each year this report even more reinforces understanding of the relationship in between young people and gambling.
"We have seen an increase in participation in gaming - 27% in 2024 compared to 30% in 2025.
"The research study shows that it is not kids being encouraged or allowed to gamble minor driving this boost - it is the increased participation in gambling that is either legal or does not require guideline, such as private wagering between buddies.
"Even with that increased involvement, the portion of those scoring four or more on the youth-adapted problem gambling screen has actually not increased however has moved from 1.5% last year to 1.2% this year, which is classed as statistically stable.
"Where it relates to regulated kinds of gaming, we utilize the data to continually keep under review and, where required, strengthen the suite of securities for youths that we require betting business to have in location."
Will Prochaska, who leads the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, stated: "The percentage of children betting and experiencing issues is frightening and driven by ubiquitous advertising pushed to them through sport, video game, and by online influencers.
"If the Government is major about its manifesto commitment to reduce gambling damage it should do something about it on betting marketing."
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Half of Older Children Experienced Gambling in last Year, Regulator
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