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Childhood Gambling Exposure Fuels Adult Problems
27 Jan
Summary
- Childhood gambling exposure significantly increases adult problem gambling risk.
- Parental gambling habits and attitudes strongly influence children's future gambling.
- Stronger regulation of child-appealing gambling products is justified.
Problem gambling in adulthood is strongly associated with early exposure to gambling, according to a recent study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
The research indicates that individuals who gambled during childhood, or whose parents gambled, face a substantially higher risk of developing problem gambling. Parental attitudes towards gambling also play a significant role.
Given the appeal of certain gambling products to children, researchers advocate for stronger regulatory measures. Furthermore, interventions targeting parental problem gambling could offer indirect protection to their children.
The study highlights that people who gambled as children and had parents who gambled frequently were four times more likely to experience problem gambling. The diminishing influence of parents on younger generations suggests increased importance for regulations on non-family exposures, such as marketing.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) supports these findings, emphasizing the need for a well-regulated sector to protect vulnerable individuals and children. They have published parental guidance on gambling-related harms.
