Mark Whitehead 21 November 2018

Number of child gamblers increases in past year

Parents, businesses and regulators should work together to protect children and young people from the risks of gambling, according to the official watchdog.

The Gambling Commission said the numbers of 11-16 year-olds who gambled had increased in the last year although it was still lower than previously.

It said parents were an important influence on children’s gambling behaviour.

The commission's report said most common gambling activities such as bets between friends and lottery cards bought by parents were outside its control but called for a more 'collaborative proactive approach' to protect young people.

It found that only 19% of children said their parents had set strict rules about gambling.

Last week it called on the pubs industry to take urgent action following serious failures to stop children playing on 18+ gaming machines.

Tim Miller, executive director at the Gambling Commission, said: 'Protecting children from the harms that can come from gambling remains one of our highest priorities.

'In the areas we have regulatory control, we continue to strengthen the protections in place to prevent underage gambling, such as our recent proposals for enhanced age verifications checks for online gambling.

'But regulation alone cannot address all of the risks that young people may face from gambling.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner