Challenge: games are becoming more like gambling

91% of children aged 3-15 play video games. For many, it’s a positive experience – fostering creativity, problem-solving, and social connection. But there’s a growing challenge: increasingly, games incorporate gambling-like features.

Research shows that 1 in 4 young people have paid to open loot boxes – chance-based features that trigger the same endorphin responses and psychological patterns as gambling.

Teenage boy playing computer game in dark room

Comprendre les jeux

Get to grips with how gaming influences young lives. Explore both the opportunities and potential risks of modern gaming.

Mother and child looking at ipad together

Rester en sécurité

Create safer gaming environments with practical guidance on parental safety controls, screen time, and managing in-game purchases.

Teenage boy playing on phone

Soutenir les jeunes

Learn to spot signs of gaming harms and get tools for having supportive conversations with children and young people about healthy gaming.

Statistics on the risks of gaming

Le monde numérique offre d'incroyables opportunités aux jeunes, mais comporte des risques évolutifs qui existent souvent à l'abri du regard des adultes.

92 %

Young people play video games

17  hours

Young people spend gaming each week

46 %

Young people paid for in-game items in video games

35 %

Received education in schools on gaming and gambling harms

Gambling: protecting young futures

Young people today are growing up in a world where gambling is increasingly accessible and normalised. From lottery tickets and scratch cards to online betting, gambling-like features in video games, and advertising on social media, young people’s exposure to gambling is increasing and evolving.

Teenage girl on phone sitting on sofa while mother standing talking

Comprendre les jeux de hasard

Learn how young people encounter gambling in today's world and explore both the traditional and emerging risks.

Teenage boy on mobile phone

Identifier les risques et les inconvénients

Understand the signs that gambling may be becoming an issue and learn how to spot potential harms early.

Father and children looking at laptop screen together

Parler aux jeunes

Get practical guidance for having supportive conversations and building resilience against gambling harms.

Statistics on gambling risks in young people

The gambling landscape is evolving rapidly, bringing new risks for young people.

69 %

Young people have seen gambling adverts online or offline

27 %

11-17 year olds have spent money on gambling activities

35 %

Received education in school about gambling harms

Need immediate support?

If you're concerned about a young person experiencing gaming or gambling harms, support is available.

Want to deepen your understanding?

Join thousands of parents and professionals we've trained to support children and young people. Our free workshops give you the knowledge and confidence to prevent the harms of gaming and gambling.