Gambling in casinos and betting in bookmakers is permitted from 18 years. Lottery tickets and scratchcards are available at a wide range of retail outlets, not all of which demand proof of age. 1 From the age of 16 years, individuals are allowed to buy lottery tickets and scratchcards and participate in football pools. The current legislative framework for gambling in the UK stems from the 2005 Gambling Act. What is the current legislation in the UK? 5 In addition, children are susceptible to advertizing, and there is growing concern that they are being targeted by marketing from gambling companies 6 (see below in `Areas of controversy'). Children are also exposed to playing videogames from an early age and are familiar with the platforms and style used in online gambling. 4Įxperimentation of new activities with peers is a normal part of growing up, and betting on card games and dares with friends is very common.

3 Major changes occur in the child’s brain during puberty, and in early adolescence executive function is not fully developed, which increases impulsivity and risk-taking behaviours. Cognitive immaturities include illusions of control over outcomes 2 and limited understanding of probability and statistics. Why are children susceptible to gambling?Ĭhildren are at risk of problems with gambling because of developmental and cognitive immaturities, as well as a susceptibility to both family and peer influences and marketing campaigns. These changes do not always occur in parallel, and the age range of adolescence varies widely, but usually occurs between 13 and 19 years.

The term adolescence describes the transition from childhood to adulthood and involves biological, psychological and social changes. In the UK Gambling Act 2005, 1 children are defined as those aged under 16 years, and young people are defined as those aged 16–18 years. This paper reviews the current evidence concerning gambling among children and adolescents, discusses emerging issues with online gambling and gaming, and presents arguments for improved prevention, legislation and treatment of gambling problems in young people. Gambling, problem gambling, gaming, addiction, children, adolescents, young people, ALSPAC Introduction

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