As gambling continues to become more prevalent in society, there is a growing concern about the impact it is having on the next generation. A recent report by The Big Issue has highlighted the urgent need for action to protect young people from the dangers of inescapable gambling.
The report, titled “The Inescapable Gambling Problem: How We Can Protect the Next Generation,” details the worrying trend of young people becoming hooked on gambling at an early age. It highlights the fact that gambling is no longer just limited to traditional forms such as sports betting or casino games, but now encompasses a wide range of activities including online gaming, loot boxes in video games, and social media promotions.
According to the report, young people are increasingly being exposed to gambling through their everyday activities, with many not even realizing that what they are doing is a form of gambling. This normalization of gambling among young people is leading to a rise in problem gambling rates, with research showing that around 450,000 young people in the UK are currently at risk of developing a gambling problem.
The report also points to the role that social media and advertising play in perpetuating the problem, with young people bombarded with messages that promote gambling as an exciting and glamorous activity. This constant exposure to pro-gambling messages is making it increasingly difficult for young people to escape the lure of gambling.
In response to these findings, The Big Issue is calling for urgent action to protect the next generation from the harms of gambling. The report recommends a number of measures to address the issue, including tighter regulations on gambling advertising, tougher age verification checks, and increased funding for treatment and support services for young people with gambling problems.
In a statement, The Big Issue’s CEO, John Bird, said, “It is clear that we are facing a major crisis when it comes to protecting our young people from the dangers of gambling. We cannot afford to sit back and do nothing while a whole generation is being exposed to inescapable gambling. We urge the government, regulators, and industry to take swift action to address this problem before it is too late.”
The report has already sparked debate among policymakers, with many calling for an urgent review of the current gambling laws to ensure that they are fit for purpose in the digital age. There is also growing pressure on social media companies and gaming companies to take more responsibility for the content they promote and the impact it is having on young people.
Overall, it is clear that urgent action is needed to protect the next generation from the inescapable dangers of gambling. With more and more young people at risk of developing gambling problems, it is crucial that steps are taken now to prevent a crisis from unfolding. The time to act is now.
