In October 2019 The Gambling Commission’s annual national survey discovered that 11% of young people had spent their money on gambling online.
According to Salford Youth Service, 3 in 4 young people have seen gambling advertised on TV.
With commonplace advertisement, is it any surprise that so many young people are gambling in Salford?
More young people than you think are gambling? pic.twitter.com/HpsG1dyhT8
— Tim_Rumley Salford Youth Service (@RumleyTim) February 4, 2020
But when does betting become a problem?
When the individual is unable to resist, or it has an effect on their social life, family life and their commitments.
In a survey conducted by the University of Salford young people felt like there was a low amount of awareness for these problems in young people. This lead to them being reluctant to talk due to the consequences.
Is the heightened awareness of gambling in young people due to the rise in in-game purchases?
The Gambling Commission survey discussed the noticeable change in the slight increase in online gaming. With the participation of 11-16-year-olds increasing from 1% in 2018 to 3% in 2019.
In-game purchases on games like Fortnite allow players to buy additional content for the game through ‘lootboxes’.
Lootboxes are virtual items in which players can buy to unlock more items, ranging from customization items such as clothes and hair to equipment such as armour and weapons.
There are multiple services offering help to those with these problems including GamCare.
For help seek:
GamCare provide a national helpline available 7 days a week on 0808 8020 133.
Gamblers Anonymous North-West helpline is 07974 668 999
Image credit: Marco Verch
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