Problem gambling linked to exposure during childhood – study

Problem gambling is much more likely among people exposed to gambling as children, according to a new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

The study suggests that rates of problem gambling are significantly higher among people who gambled as children, whose parents gambled, or whose parents had positive attitudes towards gambling.

Researchers concluded that where gambling products are shown to have particular appeal to children “stronger regulation of those products is justified”.

They also suggested that addressing problem gambling among parents may “indirectly help to protect” their children from developing problem gambling, given the suggestion of a link to exposure during childhood.

“Problem gambling” is when a person’s gambling disrupts and damages their life, with negative impacts on finances, wellbeing and social circles.

The research, carried out by the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit and commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), gathered anonymous online responses from a representative sample of more than 1,600 adults.

The researchers found a strong link between current gambling behaviour and childhood experiences, controlling for social background.

Those who gambled as a child were almost twice as likely to suffer from problem gambling.

Having a parent who gambled increased the likelihood of problem gambling by one third, while parental attitudes to gambling had a similarly large effect.

People who both gambled as children and had a parent who gambled a lot were four times more likely to suffer from problem gambling.

The research also concluded that “the weakening influence of parents in younger age cohorts” suggests that regulations targeting