Why Young British Men (25-34) Dominate Online Gambling Statistics 2
Why Young British Men (25-34) Dominate Online Gambling Statistics
Socio-Economic Factors
Young people gambling less than weekly on at least one of the 13 activities are hereafter referred to as occasional gamblers and those gambling weekly or more frequently on at least one of the 13 activities are referred to as regular gamblers. In the Health Survey for England in 2018 (NHS Digital 2019), 57% of adult men and 54% of adult women reported gambling in the past year. In the age range 16–24 years, 45% of men and 33% of women reported gambling in the past year, and 20% of men and 2% of women gambled online. The increased availability of gambling and the expansion of opportunities to gamble online have led to increases in the number of young people who gamble on a regular basis (Calado et al. 2017; Griffiths and Parke 2010). Studies from other industrialized countries (Molinaro et al. 2014) indicate that in spite of adolescent gambling being an illegal activity, in many countries youth engage in gambling with a prevalence rate higher than adults (Calado et al. 2017; Volberg et al. 2010).
Socio-economic factors play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ behaviors and choices within society. In the context of online gambling, these factors are particularly influential among young British men aged 25-34. This demographic dominates the online gambling statistics, and understanding the underlying socio-economic dimensions can provide insight into why this trend persists. Factors such as economic instability, social influences, and psychological motivations are key elements that drive these young men towards online gambling platforms, highlighting a complex interplay between societal pressures and personal circumstances.
