Literature review: Children and young people’s gambling
This literature review was undertaken by Professor Gill
Valentine from the University of Leeds.
This was intended to provide a solid evidence base to
strengthen the understanding of the impact of gambling on
children. The review identified gaps in literature and where
appropriate, provided recommendations for further research.
The full report can be found at:
Literature review of children and young people's gambling -
September 2008
Key findings
The review found that a high proportion of children and
young people gambled. When compared to adults, a
significantly higher proportion of children and young
people were either problem gamblers or at risk of becoming
problem gamblers.
Whilst accessibility to gambling opportunities appeared to be
linked to participation, attempts by regulatory means to restrict
access can only be at best partially successful because young
people find ways around them, including help from their
parents.
The research highlighted the potential usefulness of a public
health model (incorporating prevention, education and harm
reduction) when tackling gambling by children and young
people. This was an area where Great Britain appears to
be less developed than other jurisdictions and was considered by
the Commission’s Review of Gambling Research, Education and
Treatment.
The literature made a number of recommendations for further
research, which included the need to explore parental attitudes
towards underage gambling.
Page last reviewed: June
2011