Student Gambling in the UK: £50 Weekly Losses Reported

Headline Findings

The survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Gamstop and Ygam back in December 2025. It surveyed 2,000 students and found the following:

• Average weekly losses rose to £50.33 (nearly double the £27.24 reported in 2024). 
• 75% of student gamblers spent more than £10 per week, 23% spent more than £50.
• Fewer students are gambling (65% down from 78% in 2022).
• National Lottery is the most common form (31%), followed by sports betting (29%).
• 53% of students now gamble to ‘make money’, up from 45% in 2024.
• 46% of students said gambling negatively affected their university experience.

Gambling Participation Falls, But Spending Rises

One of the most notable findings is the divergence between participation and spending. While the proportion of students gambling has fallen, those who continue to gamble appear to be doing so more frequently and with higher financial exposure.

This aligns with broader five-year data showing declining participation alongside rising average losses among active users.

Financial Motivation Increasing Among Students

The survey also highlighted a shift in motivation. Now more than half of student gamblers (53%) report that their primary reason for gambling is to ‘make money’ compared to 45% in 2024. Gambling as a way to earn money is never a recommended strategy, and this does seem to be having a negative impact on student life.

Nearly half (46%) of student gamblers said gambling had negatively affected their university experience, with some difficult impact reports:

• Difficulty affording food (15%)
• Missed social activities (14%)
• Seeking hardship loans (7%)
• Considering deferring or dropping out (6%)