Overview
- The ESRI Behavioural Research Unit surveyed a representative sample of more than 1,600 adults using anonymous online questionnaires for a study commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
- Adults who gambled as children were nearly twice as likely to have problem gambling, while parental gambling or permissive attitudes increased the risk by about one third.
- Combined exposure — childhood gambling plus a parent who gambled heavily — was associated with roughly a fourfold increase in risk.
- The researchers’ best estimate indicates that about one in 30 adults in Ireland currently struggles with problem gambling.
- In response, the regulator released parent guidance with HSE Addiction Services and urged tighter age checks, stronger limits on marketing, and controls on products that appeal to children.