Is this module for me?

Yes! Everyone can benefit from learning about gambling. Whether you have never participated in gambling before, only gamble occasionally, or enjoy gambling frequently, it is important you know the harm gambling could cause, not just to yourself but also to the people close to you.

Even if gambling is a forbidden activity in your life, you may encounter someone along the way who gambles and may need your support.

The emergence of online gambling in recent years has made gambling far more accessible to people, presenting a multitude of different options but with the potential to cause severe harm. Before we look at what types of activities are considered gambling, it is important that we know the definition of gambling.

 Your context Your context

Is gambling legal?

This is an important question to ask yourself, particularly if you are studying and residing in a different country to where you grew up. Gambling laws differ from country to country, for example:

  • Gambling in the UK is regulated by the Gambling Commission, and most gambling activities require you to be 18 years of age to legally participate
  • Online gambling is regulated in Australia on a federal level, while land-based gambling in Australia is regulated at the state, territory and federal levels. So, even within the country, there are differences in the law around gambling
  • While online gambling is legal in Canada, each province has its own regulations and licensing requirements, which has created a fragmented market with different operators catering to different provinces.

In many countries around the world, gambling is banned completely. Make sure you check the policies relevant to your context before you decide to participate in any type of gambling so you avoid any unintended legal consequences.

Select the correct word from the drop-down menu to complete the definition of gambling.

Continue on for a definition of gambling.

 Gambling: To stake or risk money, or anything of value on the outcome of something involving chance . Gambling: To stake or risk money, or anything of value on the outcome of something involving chance. Additional information Additional information

Is gambling a big deal for students?

The 2023 Annual Student Gambling Survey of students at UK universities revealed:

  • 71% of students had gambled in the last 12 months
  • 24% of those who gambled were assessed as gambling to a 'problematic' level
  • Half of all respondents reported that gambling had impacted their university experience with 13% having trouble paying for food, 10% missing lectures and tutorials, 10% saying gambling affected their assignments and grades, and 9% struggling to pay bills or for accommodation
  • Along with savings and their own earnings, some students are borrowing money to fund their gambling, with 8% borrowing from family and friends and 6% using payday loans. To find out more about payday loans and the associated risks, visit the module Managing your money.

Now let's look at what activities might be considered gambling. These include regulated activities as well as those that might fit the definition but are not necessarily thought of as gambling.

There are many different types of activities (both online and in-person) that involve gambling in some way. Some are very well known, and some you might not have heard about.

Let's start by exploring some popular forms of gambling that are often regulated or even banned in some countries. Reflect on whether or not you have ever participated in any of these activities and select all those you have done.

Let's start by exploring some popular forms of gambling that are often regulated or even banned in some countries. Consider whether or not you have ever participated in any of these activities.

 Arcades (penny pushers, claw machines, etc.) Betting (sports, horse racing, etc.) Bingo (online or in a venue) Casinos (online or in a venue) Lottery (scratchcards or ticket draws) Raffles / tombolas / sweepstakes Slot/poker machines

Some people choose not to gamble for a variety of reasons, which could be personal, cultural or religious, or are just not interested in gambling. It is important to respect people's choices and accept if our friends do not want to participate in gambling activities (find out more in the 'Peer support' pod).

 Peer support Peer support

You may have peers that choose not to gamble for different reasons such as:

  • Personal: Some people may have experienced harm because of their or another's gambling and therefore have decided never to gamble to avoid causing or experiencing that harm again. They might even be in recovery and trying to abstain from gambling, so it is important to respect their choices
  • Cultural: Different cultures have their own traditions and outlooks. The way someone is raised could mean they have never gambled and will refrain from gambling. Some cultures view gambling as a shameful activity, which makes it difficult for people from these cultures to seek support if they do end up experiencing gambling harm
  • Religious: Many religious groups such as Christians, Muslims, Jews and Baha'is have historically opposed gambling. Some individuals from these religions will never gamble, while some who are growing up in different cultures or with less devout lifestyles may participate in gambling. Sometimes gambling is forbidden at certain times, during Ramadan for example, so it is important to recognise and respect people's decisions not to gamble.

You can best support your friends by checking they are comfortable if you have planned to take part in gambling activities, and organising alternative ways to socialise if anyone does not wish to gamble.

There are some non-regulated forms of gambling or 'gambling-like' activities that are important to be aware of as they may also cause harm or lead to harm in the future.

Thinking about the definition of gambling, go through each activity and select whether you agree or disagree depending on if you think it is a form of gambling.

Thinking about the definition of gambling, review each statement and decide whether you consider this a form of gambling or not. Then reflect on our thoughts.

Loot boxes are an in-game mechanic found in most popular video games where you use credits earned or pay money to open a treasure chest, box, crate, player pack, etc.

Although these are not regulated as gambling, the items you receive are usually random, with odds attached to the various forms loot boxes appear as. Some even take the form of slot machines or spinning wheels! Research is beginning to link spending on loot boxes with problematic gambling behaviour, and many popular games containing loot box mechanics are available to players under the age of 18. Although these are not regulated as gambling, the items you receive are usually random, with odds attached to the various forms loot boxes appear as. Some even take the form of slot machines or spinning wheels! Research is beginning to link spending on loot boxes with problematic gambling behaviour, and many popular games containing loot box mechanics are available to players under the age of 18.

Skins betting involves exchanging virtual items for currency that can be used in unregulated online gambling sites, which often mimic casino games such as roulette, blackjack and slot machines.

While skins betting websites are regulated as gambling, they are almost always hosted offshore, so it is difficult to impose sanctions. Often, when one is shut down, several more appear in their place. While skins betting websites are regulated as gambling, they are almost always hosted offshore, so it is difficult to impose sanctions. Often, when one is shut down, several more appear in their place.

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that generally only exists electronically. Central banks and other governmental authorities do not insure or control cryptocurrencies. Examples include Bitcoin and Ether.

Buying or trading cryptocurrency is not regulated as gambling, or by the Financial Conduct Authority who only monitor crypto asset firms. While you could argue there is risk involved in investing, and a certain amount of chance, you still have an asset that holds some value. Cryptocurrencies are known to be volatile and the subject of scams or fraudulent activity, so it pays to be cautious if you are participating in this activity. Buying or trading cryptocurrency is not regulated as gambling, or by the Financial Conduct Authority who only monitor crypto asset firms. While you could argue there is risk involved in investing, and a certain amount of chance, you still have an asset that holds some value. Cryptocurrencies are known to be volatile and the subject of scams or fraudulent activity, so it pays to be cautious if you are participating in this activity.

Statement 1 of 3:

Loot boxes are an in-game mechanic found in most popular video games where you use credits earned or pay money to open a treasure chest, box, crate, player pack, etc.

Our thoughts:

Although these are not regulated as gambling, the items you receive are usually random, with odds attached to the various forms loot boxes appear as. Some even take the form of slot machines or spinning wheels! Research is beginning to link spending on loot boxes with problematic gambling behaviour, and many popular games containing loot box mechanics are available to players under the age of 18.

Statement 2 of 3:

Skins betting involves exchanging virtual items for currency that can be used in unregulated online gambling sites, which often mimic casino games such as roulette, blackjack and slot machines.

Our thoughts:

While skins betting websites are regulated as gambling, they are almost always hosted offshore, so it is difficult to impose sanctions. Often, when one is shut down, several more appear in their place.

Statement 3 of 3:

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that generally only exists electronically. Central banks and other governmental authorities do not insure or control cryptocurrencies. Examples include Bitcoin and Ether.

Our thoughts:

Buying or trading cryptocurrency is not regulated as gambling, or by the Financial Conduct Authority who only monitor crypto asset firms. While you could argue there is risk involved in investing, and a certain amount of chance, you still have an asset that holds some value. Cryptocurrencies are known to be volatile and the subject of scams or fraudulent activity, so it pays to be cautious if you are participating in this activity.

Now that you have a better understanding about what gambling is and the different forms it takes (both regulated and other types of activities that are similar to gambling), let's look at why people might choose to gamble.