Research shows the harmful risks gambling has on young people

Research conducted by Bournemouth University’s Gambling Research Group disclose the harmful risks that gambling can have on young people.

Dr Ruijie Wang, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, led the gambling research group project which followed datasets from GambleAware’s Annual Great Britain Treatment and Support Survey.

The research found is part of a report published by the independent charity GambleAware who commissioned BU to conduct research into the effects of gambling environments.

The dataset involved 40,000 participants who gamble across Great Britain over the span of three years.

The sets inspected the demographics, motivation, behaviour and risks associated with 17 different types of gambling devices including real life gambling machines, online casino games, betting on sports and racing, loot boxes, and the National Lottery draw.

Dr Wang said: “Gambling can contribute to a range of mental health challenges for young people. The financial loses could intensify negative feeling such as anxiety and guilt.”

Findings from the report found that engaging in multiple gambling activities significantly increases the risk of gambling harms.

“Gambling operations have strategically used online and social media marketing by integrating direct advertisements with sports content, betting advice, and interactive polls.” Said Dr Wang, adding that these strategies contribute to the normalisation of gambling and encourage participation.

The report calls for more restrictions on the availability and design of psychical gambling machines, including reducing the number of machines in venues, slowing spin speeds, lowering stakes and implementing mandatory breaks, restricting access to gambling-like practices such as loot boxes for people under 18 and many more.

Dr Wang said: “As long as there is a chance for young people to be exposed to online gambling advertisements and opportunities, there will always be a risk for young people to experience gambling problems.”

She added that significant progress can be made through proactive, preventative measures including that “addressing the issue requires a collaborative approach involving policymakers, the gambling industry, educators, and health professionals.”

If you have any concerns about gambling and how it makes you feel the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.