The landscape of online gambling across the European Union and the United Kingdom saw significant growth, with customer numbers surging to 38.6 million in 2024, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. This growth has been reported by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), which indicates that the sector’s appeal continues to rise. However, alongside this trend, there has been a worrying increase in individuals seeking help for gambling addiction across Europe, highlighting the dual-edged nature of this booming industry. The data from The Lancet reveals a stark reality, showing that globally, 54.7 million men and 25.3 million women are affected by gambling disorders, with various health implications attributed to gambling addiction reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The demographic analysis of gamblers in 2024 displayed that men made up a substantial three-quarters of online gambling customers, a rise from 72% in 2023, while women’s participation dipped slightly. The largest groups of online gamblers are individuals aged 26-35 and 36-50, each comprising 29% of the total customer base. This demographic insight underscores a significant trend in online gambling participation, particularly among younger adults. Notably, online casinos lead the revenue contributions in this space, generating €21.5 billion, with sports betting following at €13.7 billion. Both sectors are anticipated to experience a robust annual growth of approximately 7% until 2029, further solidifying the attractiveness of online gambling.
In response to the escalating popularity of online gambling, European lawmakers are tightening regulations to combat its trivialization and mitigate associated risks. Germany has taken a strict stance by banning online gambling entirely, while other nations allow it under strict regulations. This regulatory patchwork reflects a growing awareness among policymakers about the need to address the potential harms associated with gambling, particularly in jurisdictions keen to protect vulnerable populations from addiction.
The concern over underage gambling is another pressing issue, despite the fact that it is illegal. A 2024 study by the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) revealed that around 23% of students aged 15 to 16 across 37 European countries reported gambling for money in the past year. This gambling behavior included various games of chance and highlights the prevalence of gambling among youth. Italy reported the highest rates of student gambling at 45%, while Georgia had the lowest at 9.5%. The data underscores a troubling trend where a considerable portion of young people engage in gambling despite legal restrictions.
Further studies indicate a concerning trend within specific regions. Southern European and Balkan countries show high rates of youth gambling, while Eastern European nations have medium prevalence rates. Interestingly, although women tend to gamble less initially, they often progress to problem gambling faster than men. Online gambling participation among students has surged, with rates among boys increasing from 13% in 2019 to 20% in 2024, and among girls, surging from 2.7% to 8.7%. This data signifies an alarming trend in youth gambling culture, particularly as harmful gambling behavior among students has nearly doubled.
Researchers have identified that environmental and contextual factors significantly influence the initiation of gambling behaviors, while individual characteristics affect the likelihood of developing gambling problems. The increasing percentages of student gamblers showing potentially harmful profiles suggest a need for intervention and education to mitigate the risks associated with gambling. As gambling becomes more integrated into social behaviors, especially among young people, the call for responsible gaming initiatives and awareness programs becomes increasingly urgent, reinforcing the importance of addressing both gambling growth and its societal ramifications.
