UKStudy Reveals: Approximately 1.65 Million Children Reside in Homes Where Video Game Obsession is Prevalent
In recent times, a study conducted by YouGov and reported by the British newspaper Independent has shed light on the growing issue of gambling addiction in the UK, particularly its impact on children.
The study revealed that approximately 1.65 million children under the age of 18 live in households where an adult has a gambling problem. Shockingly, these children have a four times higher probability of developing a gambling addiction themselves. Zoe Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, emphasized that these numbers illustrate the impact of the normalization of gambling in society on individuals, families, and communities.
Osmond also spoke of a disturbing correlation between exposure to gambling at a younger age and the risk of later harm. This sentiment was echoed by GambleAware, who called for a ban on television advertising for gambling, improved health warnings in all gambling advertising, and a ban on gambling advertising at sporting events.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), however, disagreed with GambleAware's stance, emphasizing that the majority of people in the UK gamble responsibly. Nevertheless, Osmond believes that a ban on gambling advertising could contribute to reducing cases of gambling addiction.
Gambling is apparently linked to a list of addictions that can pose a threat to children in the family environment, including alcoholism and drug abuse. The high level of donations from British gambling companies enables research and prevention measures through their contributions. However, GambleAware suggested that many gambling addicts do not appear in statistics due to the stigmatization of their problem.
Current UK policies and proposals to address gambling addiction and its impact on children focus primarily on reforming gambling taxation and increasing industry accountability, with emerging calls for strengthened regulation to mitigate harm in affected households. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has proposed significant increases in gambling taxes, with the aim of generating around £3 billion. This revenue could be redirected to social benefits, potentially lifting half a million children out of poverty.
The UK government, represented by the Chancellor, has not ruled out raising gambling taxes, acknowledging the gambling industry's profitability, lack of VAT and corporate tax payments, and its role in causing serious harm, particularly to children and families in poverty. However, there are identified gaps in child protection systems, which often fail to address the indirect threats posed by gambling addiction within the family, especially online gambling.
In summary, current UK policy efforts involve reviewing and potentially increasing gambling taxes to fund social welfare and reduce child poverty linked to gambling-related harms. Regulatory scrutiny over the gambling industry's contributions and practices, with particular concern over offshore operations and tax avoidance, is also maintained. Enhanced child protection frameworks that address not only direct gambling addiction but also its broader impact on family structure and children's wellbeing, including challenges posed by online gambling, are acknowledged as necessary.
While reforms are underway or proposed, experts note the complexity of implementation and call for policies that balance taxation, public health, and social protection to comprehensively address gambling’s impact on children.
