The UK’s Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (Ygam) has announced a partnership with Scouting UK that will see young scouts learn about the dangers of gambling and how to make informed decisions that will protect them from the harms of problem gambling.
Ygam will sponsor a Sports Enthusiast Badge for 10-14 year-olds with the requirements for attaining the badge including completing activities that will focus on the relationship between sports, gaming, and gambling.
Speaking of the initiative, Dr. Jane Rigbye, Chief Executive Officer at Ygam, said:
“We’re thrilled to be working with the Scouts, recognised globally for its programmes and activities aimed at the development of young people. Our organisations share many values and objectives, and it’s great to launch these new badge requirements ahead of the summer holidays when we know children will typically be spending more time online. We’re excited about the impact we can achieve through this partnership, as a large and diverse youth network will gain access to our award-winning educational materials.”
Ray Newman-Smith, Lead Volunteer – 1st Willingdon Scout Troop, added:
“The thing that struck me the most during and more so at the end of the session was how recognisable advertising brands were to the Scouts from brands that sponsor sporting events. I was surprised that nearly all of my scouts knew most of the sports betting companies which a worry is considering the Scouts age range is from 10.5 years to 14.5 years!”
Gambling Trends Among Minors
The new initiative comes following UKGC statistics for 2023 that revealed that 48% of 11-17 year-olds have had some experience with gambling in the past 12 months. The UK gambling stats also revealed that 15% followed and gambling operator on social media while 26% of the same age group spend their own money on gambling.
Ygam research revealed that 34% of 11-17 year-olds had spent money on in-game items such as loot boxes when playing video games. Meanwhile 49% of young people believe that video games are only fun if they spend money when playing. The most recent data currently available for the sale of loot boxes shows that in 2019, the loot box market in the UK was worth £700 million making up around 20% of the entire video game market value.
The UK Government had previously stated that it would not include so-called loot boxes in gambling reforms. But under growing pressure it has now laid out new principles with regards to the purchase of loot boxes. These must only be sold under parental guidance but it stopped short of banning the sale to children.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.
The UK Scouts have recently announced a new collaboration with the charity Ygam to address the risks of youth gambling. This partnership comes at a time when concerns about the impact of gambling on young people are growing, with research showing that a significant number of adolescents are engaging in gambling activities.
Ygam, formerly known as the Young Gamblers Education Trust, is a leading charity that works to educate young people about the risks associated with gambling and promote responsible gambling behavior. The organization has developed a range of resources and programs aimed at raising awareness of the potential dangers of gambling and providing support to those who may be struggling with gambling-related issues.
Through this new partnership, the UK Scouts will be incorporating Ygam’s educational materials and resources into their existing programs for young people. This will include workshops, presentations, and other activities designed to help Scouts understand the risks of gambling and make informed decisions about their own behavior.
The collaboration between the UK Scouts and Ygam is an important step in addressing the growing problem of youth gambling in the UK. Research has shown that young people are particularly vulnerable to the harms associated with gambling, including financial difficulties, mental health issues, and relationship breakdowns.
By working together, the UK Scouts and Ygam hope to empower young people to make positive choices when it comes to gambling and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe. This partnership represents a proactive approach to tackling the issue of youth gambling and demonstrates a commitment to supporting the well-being of young people in the UK.
Overall, this collaboration between the UK Scouts and Ygam is a positive development in the ongoing effort to address the risks of youth gambling. By raising awareness, providing education, and offering support, these organizations are helping to create a safer and healthier environment for young people in the UK.
