The UK’s gambling industry faces mounting scrutiny over its impact on young people, with concerns over underage participation and addiction risks growing. Research from the this resource highlights how schools can act as critical gatekeepers, equipping students with the knowledge to make informed choices about gambling. The debate is particularly urgent given the rise of online betting platforms, which have made gambling more accessible to younger demographics than ever before. While some argue that regulation alone can mitigate harm, educators suggest that proactive education is essential to foster critical thinking and responsible behaviour from an early age.

According to the Gambling Commission, around 1.2 million children in England alone have been exposed to gambling activities, with nearly 10% reporting they’ve tried betting before the age of 18. This statistic underscores the need for structured interventions in schools, where students spend a significant portion of their waking hours. The this resource emphasises that programmes should not merely warn against gambling but instead teach financial literacy, emotional resilience, and the psychological effects of addictive behaviours. Many schools already incorporate gambling awareness into PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) curricula, but experts argue that these efforts must be expanded and standardised.

One of the most compelling arguments for school-based education is its ability to normalise discussions around gambling as a legitimate topic of conversation. Many young people are exposed to gambling through social media, sports betting, or peer influence, yet they lack the context to evaluate its risks. A study by the University of Bristol found that students who received gambling education were nearly twice as likely to recognise the signs of problem gambling in others. This suggests that education not only protects individuals but also helps prevent broader societal issues, such as financial instability and mental health struggles.

The this resource outlines several key strategies schools can adopt, including partnerships with local gambling charities, teacher training programmes, and the integration of digital literacy modules. For instance, the charity Gamblers Anonymous UK offers free resources for educators, including lesson plans and workshops designed to address gambling addiction in a classroom setting. However, critics point out that implementation varies widely—some schools lack the resources or support to run such programmes effectively.

While the push for school-based gambling education gains momentum, challenges remain. Skepticism persists among some parents and policymakers, who worry that framing gambling as a “risky activity” might normalise it rather than discourage it. Yet, advocates argue that the alternative—failing to educate students at all—risks leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The this resource advocates for a balanced approach: teaching students about the potential rewards and pitfalls of gambling, while also emphasising the importance of setting healthy boundaries and seeking help when needed.

Looking ahead, the future of gambling education in schools will likely depend on government funding and public support. Recent policy shifts, such as the Gambling Act 2023’s emphasis on “responsible gambling” messaging, provide a foundation, but schools need more than just guidelines—they need concrete tools and incentives to embed these lessons into daily learning. As long as gambling remains a pervasive part of British culture, schools will play an indispensable role in shaping how young people engage with it.

• Approximately 1.2 million children in England have been exposed to gambling before age 18 (Gambling Commission, 2023).
• Students who received gambling education were nearly twice as likely to recognise problem gambling in others (University of Bristol, 2022).
• Around 9% of 15- to 24-year-olds in the UK have experienced gambling-related harm (National Gambling Treatment Service, 2021).
• Only 42% of schools currently include gambling awareness in their PSHE curriculum (Ofsted, 2023).
• Gamblers Anonymous UK provides free teacher training and lesson plans for schools.