‘Strong link’ between childhood gambling and long-term harms later in life, new report shows
A new report reveals a strong link between childhood gambling exposure and increased risk of problem gambling in adulthood.Summary
Research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has established a “strong link” between gambling during childhood and the development of problem gambling later in life. The study, based on responses from over 1,600 adults, found that individuals who gambled as children were almost twice as likely to experience problem gambling, leading to negative consequences for their finances, well-being, and social lives. Having a parent who gambled increased the likelihood of problems by a third, and parental attitudes towards gambling also had a significant impact. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) commissioned the research and emphasizes the need for stricter regulation, including better age checks, limits on marketing, and regulation of child-appealing products. The GRAI has also published advice for parents on discussing gambling with their children, developed in collaboration with HSE Addiction Services. The findings underscore the importance of preventing the normalization of gambling among young people.
(Source：Independent.ie)