The Gambling Authority of Ireland (GRAI) found that problem gambling is much more likely in people who have been exposed to play when we were children.
The study, which was conducted by the ESRI Behavioral Research Unitfound that rates of problem gambling are significantly higher among people who played when I was a childwhose parents played or whose parents had a positive attitude towards gambling.
The research was carried out using anonymous online responses from more than 1,600 adults. Participants’ current gaming behavior was then compared to their childhood experiences.
Did you know?
Gambling before the age of 18 almost doubles the likelihood of developing problem gambling as an adult.
If you think gambling is a problem for you or a loved one, advice and information about support is available at: https://t.co/wVU6JMsuw3 pic.twitter.com/BUuSann3ZV
– Irish Gambling Regulator (@GambRegIRL) November 19, 2025
It was in the comparisons that a strong link was revealed, with gamblers who had gambled as children almost twice as likely to suffer from gambling problems. Having a parent who gambled also increased the likelihood of developing problem gambling by a third, while parental attitudes towards gambling had an equally strong effect.
In this case, we speak of “problem gambling” when gambling disrupts and damages a person’s life and can have negative impacts on their well-being, social circles and finances.
Link to problem gambling established in children’s play
For people who both played when I was a child and had a parent who gambled a lot, they were four times more likely to suffer from gambling problems.
In the sample, the majority had engaged in at least one form of gambling before the age of 18. The most common types were scratch cards, horse or dog betting, slot machines, gambling with friends, bingo and lotteries.
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority, said: “This research provides clear evidence of the potential long-term harm resulting from children’s exposure to gambling.
“This reinforces the importance of a well-regulated gaming sector that protects children and those vulnerable to gambling harm. It also highlights the need to raise awareness and educate our young people, their parents and guardians about gambling-related harm.”
With the release of the report, GRAI also provided advice to parents on how best to broach the subject of gaming and its dangers with their children.
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