Irish Study Links Childhood Gambling to Adult Addiction

An increasing body of evidence shows that initial gambling experiences may leave lasting marks throughout a person’s life. A new Irish study shows that children who experience gambling face higher chances of developing gambling addiction problems later in life. These results are increasingly concerning, given the increasing exposure of children to gambling content.

Early Exposure Can Carry Significant Risks

The new research, carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute’s Behavioural Research Unit, collected responses from more than 1,600 adults across Ireland. Commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), the study examines how childhood experiences, family habits, and parental attitudes combine to shape future gambling behavior.

The research defines problem gambling as an issue that extends beyond casual wagering. It describes gambling that disrupts everyday life, leading to financial, mental, and relationship damage. According to ESRI reports, approximately 1 out of every 30 adults in Ireland struggles with this level of harm, underlining the severity of the situation.

Research results showed that early exposure often led to future difficulties. Adults who had gambled before the age of 18 were almost twice as likely to develop gambling problems. The presence of a gambling parent increased the risk by around a third, as did growing up in a household with positive attitudes toward gambling. Individuals who experienced both were four times more likely to develop gambling problems as adults.

The Data Renewed Calls for Stricter Regulations

Childhood gambling took many forms, such as slot machines, scratch cards, and betting on horse or dog racing. Many respondents saw these activities as harmless, a perception the researchers suggest may be part of the problem. Dr Shane Timmons, a senior research officer at the ESRI, warned that treating gambling as normal entertainment for children carries long-term risks.

1 in 30 adults in Ireland now struggles with problem gambling. We need to avoid normalizing gambling among young people.

Dr Shane Timmons, ESRI senior research officer

GRAI chief executive Anne Marie Caulfield echoed these sentiments, noting that the findings showed a clear link between childhood exposure and lasting harm. She added that education must extend not just to young people but also to parents and guardians, as efforts to prevent harm may need to start earlier than previously expected.

(This research) points to the need for awareness and education among our young people, their parents, and guardians on gambling-related harms.

Anne Marie Caulfield, GRAI CEO

Similar concerns have emerged in the UK. GambleAware reported in late 2025 that tens of thousands of minors were already exposed to gambling due to fragmented oversight of online marketing. Such issues have led to renewed calls in both countries to curb gambling marketing and to examine features in video games, such as loot boxes, that mimic gambling mechanics.