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Gambling and problem gambling among young adults: Insights from a longitudinal study of parents and children

Author: D. Forrest & I. McHale Published: August 2018
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Summary

This report by the University of Liverpool analyses gambling behaviour amongst young adults in the UK using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

Topics covered

  • prevalence and transitions in gambling behaviour from age 17 to 20
  • parental and childhood factors associated with gambling in young adulthood
  • intergenerational transmission of problem gambling

Key findings

Problem gambling rates tripled between ages 17 to 20, with high incidence of new cases. There was evidence of cross-gender intergenerational transmission of problem gambling - from mothers to sons and fathers to daughters. 
The findings indicate a need for special protections for young adult gamblers and highlight the complex factors influencing gambling behaviour development.

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