Many adolescents gamble despite being under the legal age. This is concerning given their vulnerability to developing addictive behaviours, including problem gambling. Previous research has shown that parental factors can either protect or put adolescents at greater risk of problem gambling. The current study looked at the associations between adolescent gambling and parental behaviours and attitudes towards gambling. A total of 533 Swedish students attending upper secondary school completed an online survey. The researchers found that students who communicated more with their parents were less likely to gamble or experience problem gambling. Students who reported that their parents gambled or approved of gambling were more likely to gamble. These findings suggest that parents can influence gambling initiation and the development of problem gambling.
