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The UK Gambling Commission released a report highlighting the danger that easy access to punting is having on all levels of the community.

It found the number of child problem gamblers had quadrupled in two years to more than 50,000. The report also said 70,000 kids were at risk and 450,000 children bet regularly.

Numbers are less precise in Australia, but given we are the biggest gamblers in the world, it’s not hard to imagine the extent of the problem, shares news.com.au.

One 2017 study estimated 40 per cent of kids had gambled. A researcher at Melbourne’s Deakin University predicted three children in every classroom would become a problem gambler.

Australian children are exposed to a relentless barrage of gambling advertising on television and social media. It’s impossible to watch sport without the onslaught of betting advertisements.

It’s not just sports betting that is the danger for children.

One in 10 children aged 8-9 have a smartphone, with the number jumping to nine in 10 for the 14-17 age group. Many of them play games on the phone, some of which have features which are close to gambling.

A 2018 review of 22 popular video games available in Australia found that six games met the criteria for gambling and players could cash out winnings for real money, Daniel King from Adelaide Uni shared.

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  • That’s so awful! Sad and scarey too. Kids are so easily swayed into doing things without fully realising the consequences

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  • How scary. Kids with smart phones might not even really understand what they are doing.

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  • Sadly gambling can be so destructive. I hope anyone with a gambling addiction gets the help they need.

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  • Wow – these statistics don’t surprise me – but surely parents are to blame – children don’t earn that much money these days do they?

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  • I don’t bet either. No need for that!

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  • Gambling is not a part of my life, so our kids don’t grow up with it. I seriously can’t remember when our tv was on, so our kids don’t see the adds. Only my husband watches the football on tv in the night with headphones on, so doesn’t affect my kids.

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  • Wow the stats are high

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  • It is something people hide and can ruin lives.

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  • It has become very mainstream now, I am sick and tired of seeing the ads on tv for the different gambling sites, I am 41 and I still don’t know how to place a bet


    • I agree with you! I also have no idea how to place a bet and I think its sad that these statistics are so high



      • I loathe gambling ads too and they detract from what is on TV.


      • Agreed, it is so mainstream – it’s brain washing the kids from a young age

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  • This is why it is so important for parents to monitor what their children are doing while on their computers or other electronic gadgets.

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  • This is a real worry particularly when they start so young

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  • I’m not a fan of gambling games or apps for kids or adults.

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  • Gambling addiction affects not only the gambler but their whole family. Very worrying.

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  • This is a bit of a hidden problem – these figures are quite worrying.

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