Children are being “misled” by bright and enticing gambling advertisements, according to a recent study conducted by the UK-based charity GambleAware. The study, which surveyed over 1,000 children aged 11-16, found that many young people are unaware of the risks associated with gambling and are being lured in by flashy ads promising big wins.
The research revealed that nearly half of the children surveyed had been exposed to gambling ads on social media, with a quarter saying they had seen such ads on TV. Many of these advertisements featured bright colors, catchy slogans, and promises of instant wealth, leading children to believe that gambling is a fun and harmless activity.
According to Dr. Jane Rigbye, the Director of Education at GambleAware, these ads are “misleading” and are contributing to the normalization of gambling among young people. “Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of gambling advertising, as they may not fully understand the risks involved,” she said. “It is crucial that we educate young people about the potential harms of gambling and ensure they are equipped to make informed decisions.”
The study also found that children who had seen gambling ads were more likely to believe that gambling was a normal and socially acceptable activity. This normalization of gambling can lead to an increase in problem gambling among young people, as they may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors without fully understanding the consequences.
GambleAware is now calling for stricter regulations on gambling advertising, particularly when it comes to targeting children. “We must do more to protect young people from the harms of gambling, and this starts with ensuring that they are not exposed to misleading advertisements,” Dr. Rigbye stated.
In response to these findings, the UK government has announced plans to review the current regulations surrounding gambling advertising in order to better protect children and vulnerable individuals. This could include stricter guidelines on when and where gambling ads can be shown, as well as increased penalties for companies that target underage audiences.
Overall, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect children from the dangers of gambling advertising. By raising awareness of the risks associated with gambling and implementing stricter regulations, we can help ensure that young people are not misled by bright and enticing ads promising quick riches.只
