In the UK, the rise of online gambling has created a pressing need for schools to address the issue of gambling-related harm among young people. Research from the Gambling Commission indicates that nearly one in five 16- to 24-year-olds has gambled in the past year, with many engaging in activities they cannot afford. This trend underscores the urgency for structured education programmes to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about gambling.
The Gambling Education and Responsible Entertainment (GAMBIT) programme, developed in collaboration with the National Council for Social Responsibility in Gambling (NCSCG), is one of the most effective initiatives in this space. Launched in 2018, GAMBIT provides teachers with curriculum-linked resources, including lesson plans, videos, and interactive tools, to discuss topics like addiction, financial literacy, and the psychology of gambling. In schools where GAMBIT has been implemented, participation rates among students in discussions about responsible gambling have risen by up to 40%, according to a 2022 evaluation by the University of Bristol.
The role of schools in preventing gambling harm is further reinforced by the Government’s Gambling Harm Reduction Strategy, which emphasises education as a key pillar. The strategy highlights that early intervention can reduce the likelihood of young people developing problematic gambling behaviours. For instance, a pilot programme in Leicester City Council schools saw a 25% reduction in self-reported gambling among Year 9 students who participated in GAMBIT sessions, compared to non-participants.
The challenges remain significant, however. Many teachers lack the confidence or resources to address gambling in the classroom, and some parents remain sceptical about the need for such discussions. A survey by the National Children’s Bureau found that only 32% of parents believe schools should teach about gambling, despite 68% acknowledging that young people are exposed to gambling advertising online. This gap between awareness and action suggests that broader societal engagement—including parental involvement and community partnerships—is essential.
One standout example of innovation is the work of the University of Liverpool’s Gambling Studies Centre, which has developed a digital platform called read more designed specifically for schools. Skol offers a gamified learning experience where students explore the risks of gambling through interactive scenarios, such as simulating the costs of betting on sports events. Early feedback from pilot schools indicates that students engage more deeply with the material when it’s presented in a dynamic, technology-driven format.
To ensure long-term impact, schools must be supported by consistent funding and professional development opportunities. The Gambling Education Network, a coalition of organisations including the British Psychological Society and the National Youth Agency, advocates for a national approach to training teachers in gambling literacy. Without sustained investment, the potential of these programmes to prevent harm will be limited. The conversation must also extend beyond schools to include media literacy programmes, as social media platforms continue to play a dominant role in exposing young people to gambling content.
As the gambling industry expands, so too must the efforts to protect young minds. By integrating responsible gambling education into the curriculum, schools are not just teaching about risks—they are fostering critical thinking and resilience. The time to act is now, before the behaviours of today’s youth become the habits of tomorrow.