People who gambled as children nearly twice as likely to suffer from problem gambling
New research shows children who gamble are almost twice as likely to develop problem gambling as adults, with parental influence also playing a significant role.Summary
Research from the ESRI, commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, reveals a strong link between childhood gambling and problem gambling in adulthood. The study, based on responses from over 1,600 adults, found that those who gambled before the age of 18 were nearly twice as likely to experience problem gambling later in life. Parental gambling and positive attitudes towards gambling also increased the risk, with children of gambling parents being four times more likely to develop problems if they also gambled as children. The research highlights the need for regulatory measures to protect children from exposure to gambling, including improved age verification and regulation of appealing products. Experts emphasize that the harms of gambling are often underestimated and can have long-term, intergenerational consequences, impacting financial, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
(Source：TheJournal.ie)