Childhood gambling linked to higher adult problem gambling risk

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has highlighted significant concerns about the increasing normalisation of gambling among children and its potential long-term effects on adult behaviour and welfare. Recent research commissioned by the regulator reveals that early exposure to gambling can substantially elevate the risk of experiencing gambling-related harm in later life, prompting calls for stronger preventive measures under Ireland’s modern regulatory framework.

Background and context of the study

The regulatory landscape for gambling in Ireland has undergone substantial reform with the passage of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which established the GRAI as the statutory body responsible for overseeing all licensed gambling activities in the State and protecting consumers. The new authority is tasked with enforcing licencing standards, developing safeguarding measures and implementing policies aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.

In this context, the GRAI commissioned the Behavioural Research Unit of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to investigate how early experiences of gambling might influence adult outcomes. The study surveyed more than 1,600 adults across the country, asking whether they had gambled before age 18, whether their parents gambled and how parental attitudes towards gambling may have shaped their own behaviours.

Findings on childhood gambling and adult risk

The research revealed a clear and persistent association between gambling exposure in childhood and the likelihood of problem gambling in adulthood. Adults who reported engaging in gambling before the age of 18 were found to be nearly twice as likely to develop problem gambling behaviours later in life compared to those who had not gambled as minors.

This elevated risk was amplified by familial influences. Having a parent who gambled increased the chance of later gambling harm by about one-third, while individuals exposed to both personal childhood gambling and a parent who gambled frequently faced a fourfold increase in risk.

The study also noted that parental attitudes towards gambling mattered, with more favourable views from caregivers linked to a higher chance of problem gambling in adulthood, independently of whether parents actively gambled.

Prevalence of childhood gambling experiences

According to the research, nearly two-thirds of adults surveyed indicated that they had engaged in some form of gambling before turning 18. The most commonly reported activities included playing slot machines, purchasing scratch cards, betting on horses or dogs, wagering informally among friends, participating in bingo and spending money on state lotteries.

These findings suggest that gambling activities, often perceived as harmless or recreational in childhood, are more widespread than previously assumed and may play a role in forming future habits and attitudes towards wagering.

Effects of early normalisation of gambling

Dr Shane Timmons, Senior Research Officer at the ESRI and lead author of the report, emphasised that data from the study demonstrates how deeply childhood exposure can shape gambling behaviour over a lifetime. He noted that normalisation of gambling at a young age can alter attitudes towards risk, money and reward, increasing the probability of harmful patterns later in life.

Research also points to a broader societal shift in how gambling is presented and perceived. Children today are not only exposed through family behaviours but also through pervasive advertising, sponsorship around sports events and digital content that blurs the line between entertainment and gambling. These influences can make gambling seem routine and socially acceptable from an early age.

Policy implications and regulatory responses

The findings arrive at a crucial moment for Ireland’s gambling sector as the GRAI continues to develop secondary regulations under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The authority has indicated that the results will inform key aspects of future policy, including tighter advertising standards, stronger age verification requirements and enhanced youth protection measures.

Anne Marie Caulfield, Chief Executive Officer of the GRAI, underscored the importance of embedding safeguards for children and vulnerable individuals at the heart of Ireland’s gambling framework. She stated that the research provides clear evidence of the long-term consequences of early exposure to gambling and emphasizes the need for robust regulation, meaningful limits on marketing exposure and systems that prevent gambling products from appealing to young audiences.

GRAI also plans to work with operators to ensure that their products and promotional strategies do not inadvertently target or attract minors. Enhanced age verification processes, stricter advertising codes and an emphasis on harm prevention are expected to be central pillars of the forthcoming regulatory regime.

Parental guidance and education initiatives

In addition to regulatory measures, the GRAI has partnered with Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) Addiction Services to produce guidance aimed at parents and caregivers. This material is designed to support early conversations about gambling risks and help families recognise warning signs of harmful behaviour.

The guidance encourages parents to discuss the potential effects of gambling clearly and to be aware of how their own behaviours and attitudes can influence children’s perceptions of risk and safety. It also highlights the importance of monitoring digital content and advertising that children may encounter through social media, streaming services or sports broadcasts.

International perspective and broader trends

The concern around childhood gambling exposure and its long-term effects is not unique to Ireland. Across many countries, regulators and public health authorities have raised alarms about how easy access to gambling products and pervasive marketing can shape youth perceptions and habits. The rise of online platforms, gamified betting products and digital loot boxes in video games has further blurred the boundaries between gaming and gambling, creating new challenges for policymakers.

These global trends reinforce the need for evidence-based regulation that anticipates risk rather than reacting to harm after it has occurred. Restricting underage exposure and ensuring that gambling environments are safe and age-appropriate are increasingly regarded as international best practices in public health and consumer protection.

Conclusion

The ESRI’s findings and the GRAI’s response underscore a central reality: childhood exposure to gambling is associated with markedly higher risks of developing harmful patterns in adulthood. By drawing attention to how early experiences and family environments influence adult behaviours, the research has set the stage for a regulatory framework that prioritises prevention and protection.

As Ireland advances its new gambling legislation and regulatory codes, policymakers, families and industry stakeholders alike are being called upon to balance accessibility with responsible safeguards. The overarching goal is to create a gambling sector that is not only well regulated but also mindful of its impact on future generations.

FAQ

What is the focus of the recent Irish gambling research?
The study examines how exposure to gambling before age 18 relates to the likelihood of experiencing problem gambling in adulthood.

Why did the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland commission this research?
The GRAI commissioned the research to provide evidence for shaping policy and regulatory measures aimed at reducing gambling harm, especially among young people.

What is problem gambling in the context of this research?
Problem gambling refers to gambling behaviour that harms a person’s finances, wellbeing and social relationships.

How much more likely are people to have gambling harm if they gambled as children?
Adults who gambled before age 18 are almost twice as likely to develop problem gambling later in life.

Does parental gambling behaviour influence adult risk?
Yes, having a parent who gambled increases the likelihood of harmful gambling behaviours in adulthood by around one-third.

Which childhood gambling activities were most common in the study?
Respondents reported slot machines, scratch cards, betting on horses or dogs, informal bets among friends, bingo and lotteries.

How will Ireland’s gambling laws change following this research?
The findings will influence age verification standards, advertising restrictions and youth protection measures in Ireland’s regulatory framework.

What guidance has been given to parents regarding gambling?
GRAI and the HSE have provided guidance to help parents discuss gambling risks with children and recognise warning signs of harm.

Why is advertising a concern in relation to youth gambling exposure?
Advertising around sports and digital platforms can normalise gambling and increase children’s exposure to wagering behaviours.

Is this issue unique to Ireland?
No, concerns about childhood gambling exposure and long-term harm are shared by regulators and health authorities in many countries.