In partnership with WHYSUP and Teen Tips, EPIC Risk Management delivered testimonial education seminars aimed to educate children across the UK on the potential harms of gambling and gambling in gaming. Using an online survey, the organisation investigated their gambling experiences and motivations, views and experiences with gaming and spending money on in-game purchases. The seminar was delivered to 84 state schools across the UK, reaching 13,821 pupils, of which 2,393 completed the survey between August 2021 and July 2022.
The survey results show that 29% of respondents participated in loot boxes/skins betting and that 38% believe spending money on in-game items is harmful. 21% reported to have gambled in the past 12 months, 1.2% classified as at risk of developing a gambling problem, and 1.1% suffered problems with gambling. More than half of those at risk/suffering problems with gambling reported having also participated in skins betting/loot boxes in the past 12 months. Those who spent money on in-game items were said to have experienced both negative and positive experiences. Negative experiences include arguments with family and losing pocket money. The average amount spent on in-game items in the past month was £39.81, and the most significant amount was £2,200
