By BBBB
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.
English