The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) launched a national campaign on Monday to help parents identify early signs of underage gambling. The initiative combines new online guidance, created in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) Addiction Services, with a multimedia public awareness drive.
The campaign materials will be distributed through video-on-demand services, radio, digital audio networks, and social media platforms. The GRAI designed the content to equip families with the knowledge required to spot warning signs and access support resources.
Research and Legislative Background
The initiative is based on research commissioned from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The study found that children who gamble are twice as likely to develop gambling-related problems in adulthood. The data indicates that 64% of adults surveyed gambled before age 18, with betting as a minor increasing the likelihood of future problems by 83% to 87%.
The ESRI analysis notes that young people have underdeveloped impulse-control systems, making them vulnerable to gambling appeal. Individuals with gambling parents are 80% more likely to develop similar issues. A similar analysis by the UK Gambling Commission reported that nearly one in eleven adults experienced harm from someone else’s gambling in 2024.
The new guidance encourages parents to monitor behavioral changes, such as mood swings and secrecy regarding money, and to discuss digital risks like loot boxes in video games.
This effort aligns with the 2024 Gambling Regulation Act, which is pending full enactment and imposes strict penalties for underage gambling. Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI, noted that online availability makes it difficult to detect hidden warning signs in children.