lmost two in three adults who're harmed by playing knew somebody who gambled once they had been a baby, in accordance with a examine.

Early publicity from seeing relations gamble or playing promoting and advertising and marketing on TV may be related to a larger danger of playing hurt later in life, the survey of 18,000 adults by YouGov for the charity GambleAware suggests.

Almost two in three (64%) of these labeled as experiencing vital hurt mentioned they knew somebody who gambled frequently – as soon as per week or extra – earlier than they turned 18.

Of the adults who don't gamble, only one in 4 (25%) reported realizing somebody who gambled once they had been younger.

We are involved concerning the normalisation of playing throughout society, with this yr’s report clearly highlighting a possible hyperlink between early publicity and harms in later life

Read More

The examine suggests 6% of individuals had been first uncovered to playing earlier than the age of 5, and 28% between the ages of six and 11.

One in 5 adults (22%) reported first having gambled earlier than they had been 18 years outdated, together with one in six (16%) who began between the ages of 12 and 17.

GambleAware mentioned responses advised that this introduction was seen as a “turning point” by many, or a interest that they'd inherited from their household that led to dangerous playing.

The report additionally discovered that 7% of adults establish as an “affected other” who've been negatively affected by one other particular person’s playing.

Meanwhile, an estimated 1.6 million kids below 18 reside with an grownup experiencing vital harms from their playing.

Almost half (48%) of these experiencing vital playing hurt felt “embarrassed or ashamed” of their playing all or more often than not.

Among these experiencing vital hurt, 34% had not used any type of recommendation, help or remedy to cut back their playing up to now 12 months.

Zoe Osmond, chief govt of GambleAware, mentioned: “We are concerned about the normalisation of gambling across society, with this year’s report clearly highlighting a potential link between early exposure and harms in later life, as well as a worry by parents who feel unable to shield their children from the plethora of advertising and marketing.

“It is also important to end the stigma associated with gambling, which is acting as a key barrier to those wanting advice and support. We encourage people to come forward and open up the conversation about gambling to put an end to stigma and ensure people get the help they need.”

Kate Gosschalk, analysis supervisor at YouGov, mentioned: “This year, the research – which included a substantial online survey of 18,000 people and 30 in-depth telephone interviews – explored new areas including when people were first exposed to gambling and the effect gambling has on children.

“This survey can help us learn more about gambling harms in Great Britain and what can be done to ensure people receive the help and support they need going forward.”