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.