UK Gambling Commission states that children as young as 11 are involved in online “skin betting”
UK Gambling Commission states that children as young as 11 are involved in online “skin betting”
One interesting factor that is outlined in this report is so-called “skin betting” where in-game items can be used as a wager to potentially win other items. In some cases, these items can be traded for real-world cash, with games like CSGO and FIFA: Ultimate Team being major examples.Â
In the Gambling Commission’s report, it is stated that 45% of 11-16-year-olds were aware that it is possible to bet using in-game items, with 11% claiming that they have personally bet using in-game items. In another area of this report, 0.9% of the surveyed age group were classified as “problem” gamblers, with 1.3% being seen as “at risk” of becoming one, both of which are startling statistics for children that are so young.Â
Tim Miller, the Executive Director of the Gambling Commission that it is “clear” that many children are experiencing “Gambling-style” activities at a young age and that it is essential that the commission works within the industry and with parents to protect children from gambling.Â
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  We require gambling operators to have strong protections in place to prevent children from accessing their products and are actively reviewing how some, like age verification, can continue to be strengthened.
However, it is clear that many children’s experiences of gambling-style activities are coming from the playground, the games console or social media rather than the bookmaker, the casino or the gambling website. That’s why it is essential that we work across industries and with parents so that together we can protect children and encourage those that choose to gamble in adulthood to do so safely.
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In late 2016, the UK’s Gambling Commission brought two YouTubers, Craig Douglas and Dylan Rigby, to court over gambling offences. The pair used FUT coins from FIFA Ultimate Team as a currency in a website called FUT Galaxy, which they owned and actively promoted on their YouTube channels to demographics which were comprised mostly of children.
Craig Douglas has now been fined £91,000, and Dylan Rigby has been fined £164,000, with neither party receiving jail time for their offences.Â
What do you think of the Gambling Commission’s findings? You can join the discussion on their report on the OC3D Forums.Â