‘Strong link’ between childhood gambling and long-term harms later in life, new report shows

ESRI researchers used responses from more than 1,600 adults to compare current gambling behaviour with childhood experiences.

A “strong link” was identified, with those who gambled as a child almost twice as likely to suffer from problem gambling – which disrupts and damages a person’s life, leading to negative effects on finances, well-being and social circles – in later life.

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

The research was commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).

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

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

It also points to the need for awareness and education among our young people, their parents and guardians on gambling-related harms.”

These findings strengthen the case for regulation of gambling

To coincide with the release of the report, the GRAI has published advice for parents on how to approach gambling and its dangers with their children. The advice was developed with HSE Addiction Services.

People who gambled as children and had a parent who gambled “a lot” were four times more likely to suffer from problems with betting.

The link between parental gambling and adult problems was weaker for people under 40. The authors noted this may be due to younger people’s greater exposure to online gambling.

Nearly two-thirds (64pc) of people who took part in the research had engaged in at least some form of gambling when they were under the age of 18.

The report concluded that stricter regulation was needed 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,” ESRI senior research officer and report co-author Shane Timmons said.

“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.”

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