In this study, the researchers looked at the relationship between childhood exposure to gambling and problem gambling in adulthood. Participants were 1,663 adults who were recruited to be representative of the adult Irish population. They filled out an online survey between August and September in 2023 that asked questions about their current problem gambling, childhood gambling engagement, and parental gambling. Having gambled before 18 years of age, having one parent who gambled frequently, positive parental attitudes toward gambling, and having engaged in more types of gambling before turning 18 were related to increased likelihood of experiencing problem gambling as an adult. However, the relationship between having a parent who gambled and problem gambling as an adult was mainly seen in people aged 40 and older. The findings can inform regulations to protect youth from exposure to gambling.
