Gambling Habits of Students Revealed: Research at a British University Indicates That 17% of Students Have Utilized Their Student Loans for Gambling Purposes
Rewritten Article:
Let's dive into some fascinating findings from a recent study conducted by GamStop and Ygam, focusing on the gambling habits of college students in the UK. Over 2,000 students were surveyed, and the results are eye-opening!
Gambling is a significant part of life for nearly half of these students, comparable to the number of students who consume alcohol. Some expressed using gambling as a means to boost their income, while a sobering 40% admitted that gambling negatively affects their academic performance.
Deepening our concern, about a quarter of a million students were categorized as problem gamblers. This figure represents individuals struggling with gambling that impacts their relationships, mental health, physical health, or finances. An additional 400,000 students are teetering on the brink, showing concerning signs of becoming problem gamblers.
Interestingly, most students surveyed were found to allocate equivalent funds to gambling as they do for food each week, and about 10% of gamblers spend between £50 and £100 weekly on wagers.
What's particularly troubling is that 17% of students have financed their gambling sessions with student loans. These individuals are four times more likely to develop a gambling problem compared to the general population.
GamStop CEO, Fiona Palmer, is advocating for more targeted education for students to shed light on the dangerous repercussions of gambling, addressing those who view it as a potential source of income.
While we didn't find specific statistics from this study about the percentage of problem gamblers and those at risk, it's essential to recognize that gambling among college students is extensive and comes with serious risks.
On a related note, a study conducted across 30 higher education institutions in Connecticut, led by UConn professors, found that:- 72% of undergraduates reported gambling within the 12 months preceding the survey.- 1% of respondents had been diagnosed with a gambling disorder or sought help for it.- 8% were categorized as "serious problem gamblers."- 17.2% were identified as moderate-risk gamblers.
Though this research doesn't represent findings from GamStop or Ygam, it underscores the need for increased awareness and education around gambling among college students, due to its widespread presence and harmful consequences.
- The survey conducted by GamStop and Ygam found that nearly half of the college students in the UK consider gambling as a significant part of their lives, comparable to the number who consume alcohol.
- A concerning 40% of these students admitted that gambling negatively affects their academic performance.
- The study also revealed that about 10% of gamblers spend between £50 and £100 weekly on wagers, and these students often allocate equivalent funds to gambling as they do for food each week.
- Moreover, the GamStop CEO, Fiona Palmer, is advocating for more targeted education for students to highlight the dangerous consequences of gambling, especially those who view it as a potential source of income, regardless of the personal-finance and education-and-self-development pitfalls it may entail.
