Gambling at university: a worrying epidemic, or just a bit of fun?

In the UK, an estimated 1.2 million university students have gambled in the last 12 months, equating to approximately two in every three students. Recent research by gambling education charity Ygam has found that young people who gamble are up to four times more likely to experience gambling harms compared to the general population. Given that almost half (46%) of student gamblers reported that gambling has negatively impacted their university experience, should universities and governments be doing more to protect students from the risks posed by gambling? Or, should gambling be treated in a similar fashion to alcohol, with the odd bet accepted as an inherent part of student life?

UK gambling legislation is relatively strict, with tough legislation surrounding the licensing of permits and age restrictions of players. Though Gen Z appears to be gambling less than older generations, the university experience presents pressures that render young people more susceptible to ‘problem gambling’, repetitive gambling behaviour enacted despite harm and negative consequences. Pressures include the cost of living crisis and social media, as well as the increased accessibility of gambling online.

In much the same way that students would traditionally hold down a part-time job in order to make ends meet, for some students, gambling now pays the way

In an interview, one University of Warwick student reflected on his relationship with gambling. Driven by “the thrill of getting a big win”, they expressed they were “motivated by making money. I can get money by doing nothing really. Getting a big win is almost like getting lucky”.

In an economy in which students’ wallets are being squeezed tighter and tighter, gambling may be treated similarly to a functional means of survival. In much the same way that students would traditionally hold down a part-time job in order to make ends meet, for some students, gambling now pays the way.

Ygam’s 2024 survey revealed that student gamblers lost on average £35.25 per week (as much as a weekly grocery shop)

When asked how profitable he had found his gambling to be, the student told me, “I can make 150 to 200 in a night, easy. It’s the same I would get washing dishes in a pub back home, just easier and more fun.” While gambling appears to be a successful endeavour for this particular student (thus far), his testimony is reflective of a wider, more worrying trend. Despite nearly one in two students (45%) saying that they gamble ‘to make money’, Ygam’s 2024 survey revealed that student gamblers lost on average £35.25 per week (as much as a weekly grocery shop), with 23% of university gamblers even admitting to having used their student loan to fund the habit.

Elaborating on the types of gambling he engages with, the student explained: “In Term 1 I did a lot of online sports gambling which was profitable, but in Term 2 it was not so profitable so I quit that, so it’s not that I’m chasing losses or anything… all I do now is occasionally some blackjack or roulette on my phone.” As well as emphasising the extent to which student gambling is motivated by direct financial reward (if it doesn’t make money, then move on), this student’s approach shows how technology renders gambling readily available, creating a slippery slope down which students can spiral into ‘problem gambling’.

Nowadays, young people are bombarded with adverts for online gambling – on social media, on TV, even at football games – a near-constant reminder that their next big win is ‘just a click away’

In an age in which the internet enables immediate access to gambling, all it takes is a couple of minutes to set up and the world of online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries is at a student’s fingertips. Times have changed since the days when a problem gambler could just walk down a different street in order to avoid passing the bookies. Nowadays, young people are bombarded with adverts for online gambling – on social media, on TV, even at football games – a near-constant reminder that their next big win is ‘just a click away’.

Throughout the last decade, the number of online gambling accounts in the UK has more than doubled, and university students have proved no exception, with online sports betting cementing itself as the most popular form of gambling amongst students. Despite his own participation in online gambling, when the student was asked about the need for more protection for students and regulation around internet casinos and sports betting apps, he replied: “Yeah, definitely, seeing how some people drop their whole bank accounts into online gambling sites, and can literally waste away hundreds of pounds in just five minutes is crazy”.

On the other hand, another Warwick student told me that gambling has provided him with social benefits, claiming “it’s been a really good way to meet people”. As the first-year further reflected: “When I got to uni I felt quite isolated and found it difficult to make friends, but gambling and playing games has really helped me settle in and find my people.”

This social dimension to gambling appears to be particularly prevalent at Warwick, with societies like Warwick Poker Society (‘Poker Soc’) and Warwick Esports becoming increasingly popular on campus. ‘Poker Soc’ is noticeably prominent, claiming to be “the UK’s largest university poker society… with over 100 players every week”. They meet to play twice a week (as well as online games during the holidays), and although they generally play low stakes games of 1-20p, in their cash games they “try and run any stake there is interest for”. While a member of ‘Poker Soc’ attests, “It’s made my uni experience so much better because I’ve met other gamblers that I can be social with”, the manner in which these high stakes games can escalate and lead to large amounts of money being lost seems clear.

Although gaming and gambling remain distinctly different entities, many industry experts have warned that video games act as a possible precursor to problem gambling later in life

The risky nature of these games, and the potential for large losses being incurred by impressionable freshers, raises questions as to whether the SU should do more to regulate and better protect students in these societies from gambling harms.

It could also be said that the university itself facilitates this culture of betting, with the Esports centre on campus – as part of Fusion Sports Bar – offering accessible gaming, as well as tempting student discounts. Although gaming and gambling remain distinctly different entities, many industry experts have warned that video games act as a possible precursor to problem gambling later in life, with some professionals even suggesting the features of some games create an experience “similar to casino games”, with their systems of ‘loot boxes’, in-game currencies, and randomised rewards.

However, Warwick does make support available to those potentially experiencing gambling harms, with both the Wellbeing and Student Support Services, and the Student Funding Support site offering advice to students as to the potential warning signs of problem gambling and how they can receive help. In a more reassuring statistic, more than one in two (53%) of students claim they are aware of the support available at their university should they struggle with gambling, and as much as 59% of students confirmed they would feel confident in accessing said support, should they need it.

Gambling has always been an integral part of university culture and student life, and Warwick is no different. Betting and playing games with friends can undoubtedly be an enjoyable experience, but – in a volatile world that places increasing pressures on students – universities and governments must do more to monitor the impact of gambling on young people, ensuring sufficient regulation is in place to shelter students from the effects of gambling harms.