Ygam and TSB Bank have joined forces to help increase understanding of in-game spending and help young gamers manage their money with confidence.

Ygam and TSB Bank have joined forces to help increase understanding of in-game spending and help young gamers manage their money with confidence.  

As part of this collaboration, they have co-created specialist educational resources for schools. Developed with Ygam’s expertise and delivered by TSB Bank staff as part of their school’s programme which runs throughout the UK, the module aims to provide young gamers with practical guidance on managing their money and understanding potential financial risks while gaming. 

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A recent Censuswide survey of over 2,000 young gamers, commissioned by TSB, found that while the average initial cost of a game is £32, gamers spend an average of £540 annually on in-game purchases and subscriptions. Nearly half (47%) of those who spend money in-game feel they have little or no control over their spending while playing. 

Linda Scollins Smith, Director of Programmes at Ygam, said: “Gaming now plays a central role in young people’s lives, offering significant benefits. However, it is always important to safeguard against the risks, and the increasing sophistication of game monetisation through microtransactions and in-game purchases underscores the need for education on this issue. We are delighted to be working with TSB to support their school programmes, combining financial education with gaming education, to help young gamers develop healthy habits and navigate the digital world safely.”

Kate Osiadacz, Head of Responsible Business, TSB, said: “Gaming is often one of young people’s first interactions with spending or managing their money digitally; so we’re pleased to be working with Ygam to reach young people with targeted advice. Our Money Confident schools programme greatly benefits from Ygam’s insight – and we’re keen help empower the next generation to make informed decisions for their financial lives ahead.” 

According to a 2024 Mumsnet survey commissioned by Ygam, 88% of parents in the UK believe schools should provide education on gaming, despite only 35% reporting that their children currently do. Furthermore, 99% of these parents think this education should begin by the end of Key Stage 2. 

Alongside developing educational resources, Ygam and TSB Bank will collaborate on a range of initiatives throughout 2025 to raise awareness of this issue and support families in avoiding unexpected costs from gaming.  

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For more information about Ygam and our portfolio of education programmes, please visit our training pages or email [email protected].