A recently published report by GambleAware sheds light on the alarming connection between early exposure to gambling and the occurrence of gambling-related harms in later life. The study reveals that a significant percentage of adults who experience gambling harm had acquaintances engaged in gambling during childhood. Moreover, the report underscores that one-third of adults currently affected by gambling harms are not seeking treatment, primarily due to the stigma associated with gambling issues.
Childhood Exposure and Gambling Harm:
The report discloses that 64% of adults who have experienced some form of gambling harm knew individuals who were involved in gambling during childhood.
The research reveals that early exposure to gambling can contribute to an increased risk of gambling-related harms in adulthood.
Barriers to Treatment Access:
Alarmingly, 33% of adults currently affected by gambling harms are not accessing treatment services.
Stigma is identified as a significant barrier preventing individuals from seeking help for their gambling-related issues.
High Relapse Rates:
The report highlights that individuals currently grappling with significant gambling harms face a high relapse rate of 87%, even when they attempt to quit.
Age of Exposure:
The survey, comprising 18,000 adults, found that 6% of respondents were exposed to gambling before the age of 5, while 28% encountered it between the ages of 6 and 11.
Additionally, 22% of participants revealed that they had engaged in gambling before the age of 18, with 16% initiating their gambling experiences between the ages of 12 and 17.
Concerns About Advertising:
Survey participants expressed concerns about the prevalence of gambling advertisements on television and mobile apps.
The ‘always on’ nature of advertising made it challenging for parents to shield children from exposure.
Zoë Osmond’s Perspective:
Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, expressed deep concern regarding the normalization of gambling in society. She emphasized the report’s findings, which suggest a potential link between early exposure to gambling and later-life harms. Osmond also highlighted the challenges faced by parents in safeguarding their children from the pervasive influence of gambling advertising and marketing. Ending the stigma associated with gambling is a critical step toward encouraging individuals to seek assistance and support for their gambling-related concerns.
Kate Gosschalk’s Remarks:
Kate Gosschalk, Research Manager at YouGov, shared insights into the research’s methodology, which included a substantial online survey involving 18,000 participants and 30 in-depth telephone interviews. This year’s study explored new dimensions, such as the age at which individuals were first exposed to gambling and the impact of gambling on children.
The GambleAware report underscores the importance of addressing the adverse effects of early exposure to gambling and the need to reduce stigma surrounding gambling-related issues. Efforts to protect individuals from the pervasive influence of gambling advertising, coupled with encouraging open conversations about gambling, can contribute to mitigating the risks associated with gambling-related harms in later life.