A recent study commissioned by the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has highlighted the pressing need for regulations surrounding skins gambling, emphasizing that this practice poses serious risks for children and young players.

The investigation found that several prominent gambling websites that feature skins attract more traffic monthly than traditional betting platforms. In February 2025, a review of 45 sites showed global visits reaching 6.9 million, with nearly four percent coming from the U.K. The top nine sites each received over a million visits.

«The implications for policy include an urgent need for coordinated regulations across different jurisdictions that explicitly classify skins gambling as a form of gaming and ensure that operators meet the same standards as conventional gambling sites,» the report indicates. «This should encompass mandatory age verification, transparency, and responsible gambling practices.»

Younger Players at Risk from Skins Gambling in the U.K.

Skins gambling refers to betting with virtual items obtained in games, such as cosmetic skins typically acquired through loot boxes. This practice is particularly associated with popular esports games like CS2 and Dota 2, raising significant concerns regarding underage participants.

The DCMS warned that the mechanics of skins betting closely resemble traditional forms of gambling like slot machines and roulette, which may expose young individuals to gambling behavior prematurely. According to research included in the report, players aged 11 to 14 are over twice as likely to participate in skins betting compared to those aged 22 to 24.

The report also criticized game developers for integrating gambling-like elements into their titles, stating: «Moreover, game developers need to be held accountable for the gambling-style features in their games, ensuring that protective measures are implemented to safeguard younger audiences.»

Despite skins gambling fitting the legal definition of gambling in the U.K., many of these betting sites operate without appropriate licenses, often based overseas, which complicates regulation efforts.

The U.K. Gambling Commission is actively blocking certain sites, but the report concluded that the «lack of regulation, insufficient responsible gambling standards on these platforms, and the potential for increased exposure may lead to gambling-related issues, including the emergence of unhealthy gambling behaviors among youth.»

Ultimately, the DCMS calls for stronger enforcement, clearer legislation, and international collaboration to address regulatory gaps. It also advocates for the involvement of developers, educational institutions, and public awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable groups.