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CLOSE TO 30% of Irish 16-year-old boys gambled within the previous year when asked, with teenage boys far more likely to engage in problem gambling than girls.
The report also found that over one in five 16-year-olds who had gambled in the past year were getting into difficulty controlling their gambling. Just under 20% felt the need to bet more money, while just over 8% reported lying to important people about how much money they gambled.
The report – Children and gambling – evidence to inform regulation and responses in Ireland – was published today by the Institute of Public Health (IPH) and Tobacco Free Research Institute (TFRI).
It analysed the survey responses of 1,949 Irish 16-year-olds, who were asked about their gambling activities in 2019. The survey into gambling habits is conducted in 35 European countries.
Results
Just under a quarter of 16-year-olds in Ireland reported that they had gambled for money in the previous year. The rate was higher among boys (28.2%) than girls (17.9%).
Of those who had reported gambling in the previous year, 10.3% experienced excessive gambling, while 5.6% met the criteria for problem gambling.
In general, boys were far more likely to experience problem gambling, mirroring similar patterns in adults.
The report found that about 80% of 16-year-olds who gambled in the previous year and were experiencing excessive or problem gambling were boys.
Among those who gambled in the last year, it was close to three times more likely that boys would engage in excessive gambling than girls.
Boys were also more likely to gamble online, bet on sports or animals, and gamble excessively than girls.
The Irish findings were broadly in line with the European average.
‘Framing the findings’
Commenting to TheJournal, IPH Director of Policy Dr Helen McAvoy said that there are “lots of different ways to frame the problem” of boys gambling more.
“It’s about a problematic product that’s being marketed and promoted in problematic ways,” she said.
“In a sense gambling products and the entry pathways into gambling are often linked with football and sport and boxing and all sort of different things. There are lots of gateways… there are a lot of gendered promotions and marketing.
You can conceptualise it as a problem with boys and men or you can conceptualise it as a problem in the way that boys and men are exposed to the products marketed to them and engaged.
Dr McAvoy said that she hoped the research “will start shedding some light on the reality of underage gambling activity”.
The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 was published last year, and is expected to be passed through the Dáil before the end of the year.
One enacted, it will introduce Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is a new statutory body that will be responsible for the licensing and regulation of gambling services in Ireland. One of the proposed provisions of the law will be a ban on gambling ads before 9pm.
Dr McAvoy said that improved age verification measures and testing to combat online gambling are some of the key measures needed to reduce gambling among younger people.
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The only gamble i did at that age was whether to use one hand or two to unclick a bra.
@Paul Gorry: It needs a good Yankee to get it free
Shocking figures, ban online gambling immediately.
@Toby: I’m inclined to go a little further. Gambling should only be allowed with cash and proof of age.
I bet you 50e that the overall number is higher then 30%
@ciaran o dowd: yep. Definitely higher than 30% I agree with ciaran here
Anyone that promotes a gambling company should be banned from television. Roy Keane ( skybet) and so on… These are low life people that would do anything for money. Lots of people commit Suicide every year because of Gambling,lose homes and families.
Don’t be going near united in those acca’s lads!
I blame Rock, Paper, Scissors.
@Kieran Menon: Ha,ha! This stranger in a car beside me at traffic lights put his hand up to wave,thought he knew me,then realised he didn’t! I gave the ‘rock’ back,both thought it was hilarious and were having the craic doing ‘rock,paper,scissors’ until the lights changed. Next set,I thought I’d try again with some random stranger. This time,I opened with ‘scissors’! And that’s when the fight started,your Honour.
I think they’re bluffing.
I don’t see a problem here.
I never gabled, but I’m assuming you need a credit card.
By this, they must work, I guess?
Old enough to pay taxes and, by the plans of some politicians and parties, possible old enough to vote soon = they’re old enough to gamble.
@Wolfgang Bonow: Gambling can destroy lives, relationships, families and can result in suicide for some due to debts, resorting to theft ,shame,loss of home or job etc. These are victims and need help and support as with any illness. In your face advertising doesn’t help these unfortunate victims.
@Anon: a lot of things csn destroy life if don’t too much and not taken precaution
@Anon: Seems we have a different opinion what a victim is.
But, since everyone seems to be a victim by everything these days,
I accept your point and still disagree.
@Shane O Mac: yes,it’s an addiction just like other addictions. Nobody goes down the road expecting to become an addict and destroy their lives, some are genetically more susceptible or personal history makes them more vulnerable and the compulsion becomes overpowering. Before they know it, their life is ruined. But for the grace of God go I.
The world is changing so fast, and we ain’t adapting. Id say it’s a lot higher. it’s a new different world now for kids growning up. Learing to drive should be thought in schools. Theory and practical test, etc.
have your say