Children and young people 'at risk' from gambling harms, regulator warns

The regulator has warned families the signs of gambling are not always visible as the lines between entertainment and gambling become increasingly blurred, especially online. 

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has warned parents that what may look like "harmless fun" can still involve risk, money, and chance in ways that affect young people's developing brains. 

The regulator has warned families the signs of gambling are not always visible as the lines between entertainment and gambling become increasingly blurred, especially online. 

Young people between the ages of 12 to 17 can face a lot of pressure to gamble, the regulator has warned, adding gambling risks can appear in online gaming, where children can be exposed to gambling-style risk-taking. 

This includes 'loot boxes' and other randomised rewards that get children used to paying money for an uncertain outcome, even though the games themselves are not classified as gambling. 

It comes as research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) earlier in the year found early exposure to, and childhood experiences of, gambling, including slot machines, betting, and bingo, leaves damaging and lasting effects. 

In partnership with the HSE Addiction Service, the GRAI has now developed dedicated advice on grai.ie to equip families with the knowledge to recognise the signs, and where to seek help if required.

It also includes advice for families on how to start the conversation with their children about gambling. The GRAI launched its campaign to help parents start an important conversation about the risks of underage gambling, said Anne Marie Caulfield, GRAI chief executive. 

“Children and young people are among the most at-risk members of Irish society when it comes to gambling exposure and harm," she said. 

Children’s brains are still developing the judgement and impulse-control systems used to weigh up risk, which makes gambling appealing to them.

“With online gambling available at any time of the day, it is easy for the warning signs to be hidden. The guidance the GRAI developed with the HSE Addiction Services sets out some of the key behavioural signs to look out for in your child.”

Parents are advised to talk to their children early about gambling in age-appropriate terms and to keep checking in. They are also advised to know where gambling shows up — it's not just bookmakers. 

The regulator also advises parents that if a young person starts talking more about gambling or has been asking for more or to borrow money, these could be signs of gambling.

Parents are advised to watch out for requests for money to pay for in-game purchases, playing for long periods of time, or playing 18+ games, if their child plays a lot of online games. Parents are also advised to watch out for claims they "nearly won" something, or had a near-miss.