A recent Treatment and borgata winter open resultsSupport Survey shows a link between underage exposure and adult gambling addiction.

The entertainment value of online casinos and betting platforms continues to grow as they offer more intricate gameplay mechanics, bigger bonuses, and extra features.

As the quality of games and interest therein grows, so does the chance of problem gambling.

GambleAware recently published its fourth annual GB Treatment and Support survey. This survey indicates that early exposure to gambling may be linked to an increased risk of gambling harm later in life.

The stats don’t lie

According to the latest annual Treatment and Support Survey published by GambleAware, there is a distinct link between gambling problems as an adult and childhood exposure. The recent survey conducted by YouGov included 18,178 adultsacross Great Britain.

The study, which was conducted in November 2023, shows that around 1.65 million children under 18 have grown up in households where adults are struggling with gambling problems. According to the survey results, it indicates that children from such homes are often more likely to develop a gambling problem, too.

The stats state that two in three (64%) of adults who experience significant harm from gambling have grown up in environments with adults suffering gambling harm. Furthermore, there is a third of adults who experience serious gambling harm don’t have access to treatment or support due to the stigma around it. There is also an 87% relapse rateamong those who are trying to stop or curb their gambling habits.

The study shows that in terms of gambling exposure among British folds, there is around 1 in 16 (6%) are exposed before they even reach 5 years oldand 28%are exposed between ages 6 and 11. According to the results, around 22%(1 in 5 adults) have gambled beforethey reach the age of 18 years old.

A concerning 16%(1 in 6) have indicated that they started gambling between the ages of 12 and 17. These people have indicated that it started as a hobby inherited from their family, which led to harmful gambling.

Most participants were concerned about the number of gambling advertisementsshown on television and mobile devices. Many exclaimed that it is difficult to restrictthese ads or child exposure as they are always on. This is an even greater call for the government to step in and bring changes, especially in gambling-related advertising.

Recommendations to change the stats

The results have been quite clear, and GambleAware has called for policy changes regarding UK casino operators, which aim to help change and prevent the normalisation of gamblingin daily life to protect those who are underage.

Suggestions for solutions include a ban on TV advertising with improved health warnings on all gambling advertisements and a ban on gambling marketing at sports events.

According to GambleAware Chief ExecutiveZoe Osmond, the figures in the Treatment and Support Survey highlight the impact of gambling normalisationwithin families and communities. According to the research, there is a clear link between early exposure to gambling when young and the risk of harm caused by gambling at a later age.

The reality is that gambling harm can affect anyone, which is why it is of vital importance to break down the stigma surrounding it and encourage everyone to come forth and talk freely should they need to.

According to Osmond, we need to go further to protect people who have experienced gambling harm. Hence, there is a call for a more strategic approachfrom the government and the UKGC. Greater investment should be made in prevention and treatment programsthat can address gambling harm in Great Britain and how to play safe in online or land-based casinos.