Swedish report flags increase in young people gambling

A recent report published by Spelinspektionen has highlighted concerning correlations between early exposure to gambling through video games and subsequent risky gambling behaviors among young adults in Sweden.

The study, released on January 29, focuses on the 18-24 age demographic, revealing significant insights into the potentially detrimental effects of loot boxes and skin gambling. The findings were formally presented to the Swedish government, urging a closer examination of these emerging trends.

The data indicates a stark connection between individuals who began purchasing loot boxes as minors and those who exhibited problematic gambling behaviors as adults. Alarmingly, among those who made loot box purchases before the age of 15, a staggering 87% displayed risky gambling tendencies in adulthood.

Proliferation of Loot Boxes and Skin Gambling

The study draws attention to the rising interplay between the gaming industry and online gambling, particularly through mechanisms like loot boxes—virtual mystery boxes from which players can purchase in-game items. In parallel, skin gambling, which involves wagering virtual goods (such as character skins), has also gained traction.

Among male respondents aged 18-24, there was a notable prevalence of engagement with these gambling features prior to reaching the age of majority. The survey revealed that 45% of young adults had purchased a loot box, with 62% doing so under 18. Alarmingly, some individuals as young as 12 were reported to have made such purchases.

The link between loot box purchases and future gambling intentions was particularly concerning. Among 16-17-year-olds who bought loot boxes but refrained from real-money gambling at that age, most expressed intentions to gamble with real money once they turned 18. Skin gambling, too, was predominantly featured among young male respondents—highlighting a stark gender disparity as female respondents demonstrated a significantly lower engagement and understanding.

Moreover, the study raised critical questions regarding affordability. Approximately 57% of participants acknowledged they gambled beyond their financial means when engaged in skin gambling.

Surge in Underage Gambling Activity

In addition to examining young adults, the report scrutinizes the gambling behaviors of minors aged 15-17. It highlights a marked increase in gambling activities in this age group, with males exhibiting a particularly higher likelihood of gambling through video games.

The study notes that 62% of respondents who purchased loot boxes prior to 18 had also gambled online for money as minors. Notably, the percentage of 14-year-old males demonstrating risky gambling behaviors has increased from 5% in 2021 to 9% in 2025, while high school-aged males reported an increase from 7% to 14%. In contrast, the rate among females remained static during the same period.

The primary form of gambling among these minors was online casinos, with data indicating that they maintained accounts on both licensed and unlicensed gambling platforms available in Sweden.

Daily Exposure to Gambling Advertising

Young adults reported daily encounters with gambling marketing, spanning traditional media like radio and television, as well as social media platforms including TikTok and YouTube. “As a huge sports enthusiast, I listen to numerous podcasts, and it seems predominantly the gambling companies are the ones marketing themselves,” shared one survey participant. “They often mention contacting helplines for support, yet the glamorization of gambling overshadows this.”

The report also notes the rising popularity of online casino streaming, where viewers can watch others gamble in real-time. Over half of the surveyed young adults reported having engaged with this type of content before.

Funding Sources for Young Gamblers

The report sheds light on the financial pathways that minors and young adults utilize to support their gambling habits. For the 18-24 age group, income from wages and student loans constituted the primary funding source. However, there were alarming indications that some young individuals accessed funds through riskier means, including high-interest loans, private loans, and, in some instances, illicit activities.

Among minors, student loans represented the most prevalent form of financial support for gambling activities. While most reported betting amounts typically below SEK 100 (£7.23 / $8.90), a troubling uptick was noted in instances where minors wagered SEK 500 or more—this trend was especially pronounced among males.

Furthermore, signs of increasing distress regarding gambling habits were evident, as more young players sought assistance. This includes a growing number of individuals registering for the Swedish national self-exclusion program, Spelpaus. Data from Spelpaus reveals that over 25,000 of the more than 117,000 users who have self-excluded were aged 18-24 as of October 2024, representing a 21% share of total registrants—up from 17% in the same month of 2022.