One in Ten UK children aged 13-18 is gambling online

'One in ten UK children aged 13-18 is gambling online'

Parent Zone's skin gambling report

‘This report has uncovered a phenomenon that is only going to grow. We have an opportunity to step in before this problem spins out of control.’

Vicki Shotbolt, Parent Zone CEO

Following an investigation into the growth of skin gambling in young people, Parent Zone has published a report, Skin gambling: teenage Britain’s secret habit, revealing that 1 in 10 UK children aged 13-18 is betting online in casino and bookmaker-style sites.

Skin gambling is a relatively new phenomenon, where gamers are able to bet with virtual items called ‘skins’. Since 2015, gamers have been able to win or trade skins and gamble their collections on competitive video gaming matches, in casino-style sites or on games of chance. Winners can cash in their skins for real currency, and billions of pounds are currently spent in skin gambling sites internationally.

We set out to explore the scale of under-18s skin gambling and what needs to happen to prevent children from being introduced to gambling via video gaming platforms.

Read the full report

Of all children aged 13-18 across the UK...

27% have heard of skin gambling (esports betting, mystery boxes, public pots or other skins betting).
10% have tried some form of skin gambling.
29% think it is a “very big” or “fairly big” problem.
Of those aged 13-17, 46% say they are able to access 18+ websites if they want.

The Digital Families 2018 conference will be addressing skin gambling and the future of young people online.

Find out more and book tickets