A new national study by the Association for Research and Prevention of Excessive Gambling (ARPEJ) and the National Gambling Authority (ANJ) has revealed a significant rise in gambling among French minors aged 15 to 17.
According to the ENJEU-Mineurs survey, approximately 42.6% of adolescents admit to having participated in at least one form of gambling in the past year, which is up from 34.8% in 2021. It also marks a significant increase of 7.8%.
The survey is based on a sample of 5,000 young people, and highlights growing engagement with gambling, specifically when it comes to lottery and sports betting offerings.
“The level of participation, already high in 2021, has increased significantly in 2025,” the report states.
Scratch Cards and Sports Betting Drive Growth
Scratch cards remain the most popular form of gambling among minors, with participation rising from 27.3% in 2021 to 34.3% in 2025. Lottery draws also increased from 16.9% to 20%. At the same time, sports betting climbed from 9.9% to 11.4%.
In contrast, participation in other forms of gambling, including poker, slot machines, and certain casino games, is slightly on the decline. However, betting on eSports competitions and financial bets, activities that are not legal for minors, remain strong but show mixed trends.
The study also found that gambling is increasingly practised in physical retail locations, although online casino participation continues to grow. The proportion of minors gambling exclusively digitally rose from 3.9% to 5.5%, while mixed participation also rose.
Higher Frequency and Spending
Beyond participation rates, the intensity of gambling also seems to be on the rise. Weekly gambling among minors rose from 8.9% in 2021 to 12.1% in 2025. Meanwhile, the median amount spent per gambling session increased significantly, from €6 to €10.
The percentage of adolescents spending more than €20 per session more than doubled, which saw an alarming increase from 3.3% to 8.4% now.
“These financial commitments are notable given that minors typically have limited personal income,” the study observes.
Problem Gambling Declines
Still, there are some positives from the latest study. Despite higher participation and spending, the proportion of adolescents classified as problem gamblers has decreased slightly.
Using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, the study found that 5.4% of minors qualify as excessive gamblers in 2025, down from 7.6% in 2021. Overall, 10.5% fall into moderate-risk or excessive categories, compared to 12.1% four years earlier.
However, researchers urge caution in interpreting this decline. “The decrease in excessive gambling should be interpreted carefully,” the authors warned. They essentially note that measurement tools designed for adults may not be effective with youth-specific gambling issues.
Additionally, a newly launched youth-focused assessment tool suggests slightly higher levels of severe gambling problems than the adult-based index.
Family Environment Has a Key Role
The study highlights the strong influence of the family environment on minors’ access to gambling.
Two-thirds, or 65%, of young gamblers say that they have access to gambling products in physical outlets through their parents or other family members. Online casino access via a parent’s account, with permission, also spiked from 23.6% in 2021 to 36.9% in 2025.
It was further reported that girls and younger adolescents are more likely to rely on parents to purchase gambling products to access gambling products. Separate qualitative research cited in the report suggests many parents see gambling as a harmless, sociable activity and underestimate potential risks for minors.
Health and Social Impacts
While some harmful behaviours, such as gambling-related conflicts or substance use, have declined since 2021, other impacts have increased. In 2025:
- 6.6% of minors admitted to experiencing stress or nervousness linked to gambling
- 6.6% of respondents shared that they have disruptions in their sleep or daily routines
- 6.4% of respondents say that they can have negative mood effects
Among young gamblers specifically, around 15% report stress, mood disturbances, or disrupted daily routines. Additionally, one in ten adolescents shared that they have a close relationship with someone whose gambling has caused problems in their life, most often a parent or friend.
Attitudes Remain Largely Negative
Despite rising participation, two-thirds (67.4%) of minors have a negative attitude toward gambling. Girls are more likely than boys to view gambling unfavourably, while boys and active gamblers are more likely to hold positive attitudes.
The findings from the recent analysis paint a picture that gambling participation is expanding among French youth. Spending is also increasing, while access is often facilitated by family members. However, on a positive note, severe problem gambling rates show a modest decline.
Researchers indicate that further analysis will explore the interplay between evolving gambling habits, prevention messaging, and regulatory enforcement. As gambling offerings, particularly online, continue to expand, the study underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and targeted prevention strategies to protect young people.
