Confusing Games and Gambling for Kids
Recent research conducted by GambleAware reveals an alarming trend: Widespread exposure of children to online gambling advertisements.
The charitable organization GambleAware has released findings from their latest study, titled "Interpreting the Impact of Gambling on Children and Young People's Lives", in a press release. The study highlights that children frequently struggle to distinguish between gaming and gambling. In light of these results, GambleAware advocates for stricter regulations to shield children.
Blurred Lines Between Games and Gambling
The study reveals that gambling is an integral part of children's daily lives. They are introduced to gambling through scratchcards, lotteries, and horse racing, among other means.
The researchers discovered that children in the UK face constant exposure to gambling advertisements. Online, young users are often bombarded with colorful marketing campaigns designed to appeal to their age group.
The issue lies in the fact that children fail to recognize the distinction between games and gambling. The lines are blurred, making it difficult for young people to comprehend the terminology. GambleAware underscores this with comments from a 15-16 year old boy:
It seems like a game to them, it doesn't look like gambling.– Study participant aged 15-16, GambleAware
Gambling Advertisements Around Every Corner
GambleAware probed when and how children encounter gambling advertisements. Online, visual and auditory methods are commonly employed to target children.
Bold colors, captivating sounds, and cartoon graphics are used to draw children's attention. The participants confirmed this assertion and mentioned that they were inundated with gambling advertisements while browsing online.
Additionally, some children reported encounters with gambling content via influencers or footballers. It is not uncommon for well-known celebrities and athletes to serve as the faces of gambling and sports betting providers. Last year, there was also debate surrounding reduced gambling advertising in football stadiums.
Furthermore, many children are exposed to gambling through their families. Frequently, it is even the parents who motivate their children to indulge in occasional gambling, purchasing scratchcards or placing bets on their behalf. Through this habit, children become desensitized to the associated risks.
Need for Education and Support
Throughout the study, children expressed concern about the risks associated with gambling. However, they often lacked the ability to identify these risks due to their inability to separate gambling from entertainment games.
Surveyed children expressed a desire for additional information on the subject. They wished to learn more about gambling and its dangers in school. One 13-14 year old girl noted that gambling had been discussed in school but the teacher only explained that it was dangerous without providing sufficient background information.
Earlier studies by GambleAware corroborate these findings. 96% of 11-14 year olds in the UK have been exposed to gambling advertisements. However, only 38% have recognized warning labels or health information.
GambleAware Demands Action
In response to its latest findings, GambleAware is urging for political action. Stronger regulations are needed, particularly in public areas to better protect children.
According to GambleAware's CEO, Zoe Osmond, early exposure to gambling may impact children's lives permanently. She warns:
This study shows that gambling content is now prevalent in many children's lives. This is concerning because early exposure to gambling can normalize gambling for children and result in issues. We must enforce stricter regulations on gambling advertising and content to prevent them from appearing in areas where children can see them.– Zoe Osmond, CEO, GambleAware, GambleAware
Furthermore, responsible parties involved in the study argue that the confusion between games and gambling is problematic. They have called for clearer demarcations between these two categories, permitting children and young adults to identify gambling more easily. Overly colorful and cartoon-like gambling advertisements meant to entice children should be subject to regulation.
In the context of stricter regulations for children's protection, it's worth noting that online casinos in Germany also offer gambling opportunities to young users. It's essential to implement similar regulations to control the exposure of German children to these online platforms.
Given the study's findings about children's lack of distinction between games and gambling, it's crucial to include online casinos in Germany in the discussion about clearer demarcations and stricter regulations. This will help young users in Germany better understand the difference between entertainment games and gambling activities.
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