Childhood gambling almost doubles chances of problem as an adult, research says

Early exposure to, and childhood experiences of, gambling, including slot machines, betting, and bingo, leave damaging and lasting effects, new research suggests.  File picture: iStock

Those who gambled as a child — including with the likes of scratch cards and lotteries — are almost twice as likely to suffer from problem gambling as an adult, prompting calls for stronger regulation. 

Early exposure to, and childhood experiences of, gambling, including slot machines, betting, and bingo, leave damaging and lasting effects, new research suggests.  

Those who are exposed to gambling as children, either through their own experiences or those of a parent, are much more likely to display 'problem gambling' as an adult, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found. 

The rates of 'problem gambling', where a person's gambling impacts their finances, wellbeing, and social circle, are significantly higher among people who gambled as children, whose parents gambled, or whose parents had positive attitudes towards gambling. 

Research conducted by the ESRI’s behavioural research unit, commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), found that those who gambled as a child were almost twice as likely to suffer from problem gambling later in life. 

Having a parent who gambled increased the likelihood of problem gambling by one third, while parental attitudes to gambling had a similar effect. 

People who both gambled as children and had a parent who gambled a lot were four times more likely to suffer from problem gambling. 

The majority of the sample, more than 1,600 adults who gave anonymous online responses, had engaged in at least some form of gambling under the age of 18. 

The most common forms were slot machines, scratch cards, horse or dog betting, gambling amongst friends, bingo and lotteries. Having a parent who gambled with high intensity was also associated with increased gambling spend, the study also suggests.  

However, the study also highlighted how problem gambling in Ireland is much more prevalent amongst those under the age of 40.

This could reflect an "age effect", the study notes, or it could be due to "the greater exposure of younger generations to gambling accessibility and marketing". 

Researchers also found "some evidence" to suggest that high prevalence forms of underage gambling might act as a ‘gateway,’ with some children transitioning from initial experiences to more niche, low prevalence forms such as e-sports betting. 

Recommendations

According to the ESRI,  the study's findings support stricter regulation to protect children from gambling exposure, including better age checks, limits on gambling marketing, and regulation of products that appeal to children.

“These results demonstrate that childhood experiences of gambling have damaging effects on people’s lives as adults,” said Dr Shane Timmons, researcher with the ESRI and report author. 

“Together with our best estimate that one in 30 adults in Ireland now struggles with problem gambling, these findings strengthen the case for regulation of gambling. We need to avoid normalising gambling among young people.” 

Anne Marie Caulfield, chief executive of the GRAI, said the research provides clear evidence of the long-term potential harms of childhood exposure to gambling.

"It reinforces the importance of a well-regulated gambling sector that protects children and those vulnerable to gambling harm." 

The GRAI has published advice for parents on how best to approach the topic of gambling and associated dangers with their children on its website.