From adolescence to young adulthood: Associations between simulated and traditional gambling, and the role of parental factors

This study examines simulated gambling products: games that include gambling-like elements, but are not classified as gambling, and are legally available to people aged under 18. Examples include video games with gambling content, loot boxes and social casino games.

There are concerns that exposure to these products may act as a gateway to gambling. This study examines the migration between simulated and traditional gambling among young people. It also explores how parents, other family members, and friends influence both simulated and traditional gambling behaviour.

Findings

The results are the product of an online survey of 1026 people aged 18–25. Participants indicated which simulated and traditional forms of gambling they had engaged in, and at which age. They also reported information about their relationship with their parent(s), parental attitudes towards games and gambling, and social norms from family and friends.

The study found that parents play a key role in their children’s uptake of gambling. Hostile parent-adolescent relationships (e.g., a relationship involving conflict) was associated with simulated and traditional gambling behaviour and problems. Positive parental attitudes towards gambling were associated with higher uptake and problems related to traditional gambling.

People whose family and friends had more positive norms towards simulated and traditional gambling were more likely to take part in simulated and traditional gambling, and to experience problems. The results show a high degree of social influence, both from parents and friends.

Restricting gaming was associated with higher problems, although it may be that parents are more likely to restrict gaming when it becomes problematic.

The results indicate that some simulated forms of gambling (e.g., social casino games), may not act as gateways for traditional gambling products. Instead, it appears that simulated and traditional gambling products may simply appeal to the same consumers.

The study found that people who experienced more positive norms from friends also tended to experience positive norms from parents. This is important, because engagement in activities that are pervasive throughout one’s social network are harder to reduce over time.