Problem gambling linked to exposure during childhood – study
A new study links childhood exposure to gambling, whether directly or through parents, to a significantly higher risk of problem gambling in adulthood.Summary
A recent study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in Ireland reveals a strong correlation between exposure to gambling during childhood and the development of problem gambling in adulthood. Researchers found that individuals who gambled as children, had parents who gambled, or were raised in households with positive attitudes towards gambling were significantly more likely to experience problem gambling. Specifically, those who gambled as children were almost twice as likely to suffer from problem gambling, while having a gambling parent increased the risk by one-third. The study, based on responses from over 1,600 adults, suggests that regulating gambling products appealing to children and addressing parental problem gambling are crucial preventative measures. The findings also highlight the growing importance of regulating non-family-related exposure, such as marketing, as parental influence weakens in younger generations. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) emphasizes the need for a well-regulated sector, awareness, and education to protect children from gambling-related harms.
(Source：BreakingNews.ie)