A UK government-commissioned report has called for the “urgent need for comprehensive regulation and policy reform” on skins gambling.
The study, which was commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), found the convergence of video games and gambling-like activities were putting young people at risk.
Skins gambling involves the betting of virtual items earned or obtained in video games.
The report identified that more than 50 skin betting sites were accessible in the UK, with researchers stating the most popular sites attracted more traffic than the likes of Betfred and 32Red.
The most popular site, clash.gg, had 4.3 million visits in February.
The study found there were 6.9 million unique visits to skins betting sites in February 2025, with the UK accounting for 3.9% of all traffic.
It also found that individuals aged 11 to 14 were more than twice as likely to engage in skins betting as those aged 22 to 24.
Skin betting sites, which are not regulated or legal in the UK, were found to include near-miss mechanics, losses disguised as wins and rapid speed of play.
Additionally, an audit of 20 sites discovered that none implemented age checks and only five platforms had a dedicated responsible gambling page.
Policy recommendations were laid out by the researchers, including for the government to launch national awareness campaigns around skins gambling.
The Gambling Commission has also been asked to implement “stricter” measures, including for skins betting operators to obtain UK licences and comply with industry standards.
The report concluded: “The findings of this report highlight the urgent need for comprehensive regulation and policy reform regarding skins gambling.
“Across multiple research strands, a clear pattern emerges. The convergence of video game playing and gambling is increasingly evident, with young people being particularly vulnerable to engaging in gambling-like activities through in-game items such as skins.
“The normalisation of these behaviours within gaming communities, often amplified by influencers and content creators, further reinforces the risks faced by young players, many of whom are unaware that they are engaging in gambling practices.
“Ultimately, the regulation of skins gambling requires a concerted effort from all sectors and stakeholders, ensuring that players are better informed, protected and supported as the gaming landscape continues to evolve.”
The post UK government-commissioned report calls for “urgent” skins gambling regulation first appeared on EGR Intel.
Researchers find convergence between video games and gambling is attracting young people, while gameplay mechanics found could also encourage excessive gambling
The post UK government-commissioned report calls for “urgent” skins gambling regulation first appeared on EGR Intel.