The Gaming Commission has released insights from a 2025 survey by DataSynergy, revealing that 84% of young adults aged 18-30 gamble on legal websites, while 28% also use illegal platforms.
Based on responses from 1,000 participants, the study found that licensed gambling operators are more widely recognized than unlicensed ones, though three of the ten most recognized brands lack a license. Additionally, 94% of respondents could name at least one legal site, compared to 61% who identified an illegal one.
Online gambling was more common than visiting physical venues, with 48% having gambled on websites and 37% at land-based locations. Since September 2024, 53% reported gambling at least once.
Occasional play was most prevalent: 30% gambled infrequently, 23% played weekly or more often, and 10% nearly every day.
Social circles had the greatest influence on platform choice, with 32% selecting sites based on friends’ recommendations. Advertising via social media (15%) and sports sponsorships (12%) had less impact.
The release comes as global regulators ramp up efforts to curb youth gambling. For instance, the NFL recently committed $600,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming to support research and educational initiatives around college-age gambling.
The Commission launched this survey as a follow-up to its 2023 research, aiming to inform future regulation and promote safer gambling while discouraging use of illegal platforms.
