Swedish authority report highlights rising youth gambling concerns
The survey – focused on individuals aged 18-24 – shows a growing interest in gambling, particularly among young men.
Key points:
– The report showed that youth gambling is increasing, particularly among young men
– Online platforms and marketing were found to be influencing gambling engagement
– Many young adults were reportedly financing gambling through loans and wages, raising concerns about potential addiction risks
The Swedish Gambling Authority has released a new report detailing the rise in gambling among minors and young adults in Sweden.
The findings, presented to the government, stem from an assignment within the 2024 appropriation bill, which tasked the authority with examining the factors behind this trend and exploring how youth gambling is financed.
The study primarily focused on young adults aged 18–24 while also including data on underage gambling from the Central Association for Alcohol and Drug Information (CAN).
According to the report, gambling among minors is on the rise, with young men showing a particularly strong interest in gambling activities.
One contributing factor is the increasing prevalence of video games incorporating lottery-like mechanics, such as loot boxes and skin gambling.
Additionally, social media marketing, influencer promotions and casino streaming have further fueled gambling interest among young people.
Good to know: Since 2019, gambling classified as ‘risky’ has risen among underage boys while remaining stable among girls; among young adults, trends are more complex, but there has been an increase in individuals under 25 seeking help for gambling-related problems
The report also highlights how young adults are funding their gambling. Many rely on student loans or wages, but there is also a trend of high-cost loans being used to finance gambling – particularly among men aged 23–24 and those struggling with gambling control.
In a related development, the Swedish Gambling Authority addressed concerns about a potential data breach linked to the Spelpaus self-exclusion register.
While some individuals have reported receiving marketing from unlicensed operators despite being on the register, the authority has denied any information leaks and continues to investigate the issue.
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