Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate stability of problem gambling between 20 and 24 years of age, and the antecedents and consequences of problem gambling at age 20 years. Young adult participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) completed computer-administered gambling surveys on paper, or online. Responses to the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) were complete for 2624 participants at 20 years, and 1921 participants at 24 years. Responses were categorized into ‘non-problem’ (71–78%), ‘low-risk gambling’ (16–21%), ‘moderate-risk gambling’ (4–5.5%), and ‘problem gambling’ (1–1.5%). The overall frequency of moderate-risk/problem gambling varied little between age 20 and 24 years, and scratch cards, online betting and gambling were the most frequent activities. Problem gamblers at age 20 years had a history of hyperactivity and conduct problems in adolescence, high sensation seeking, and an external locus of control. They were more likely to have mothers who had problems with gambling, reported less parental supervision, and higher social media usage. Moderate-risk/problem gambling at age 20 years was associated with regular cigarette smoking, high levels of illicit drug use, and problematic use of alcohol at age 24 years. A significant minority of young adults (mainly males) showed problem gambling behaviours which appeared to be established by the age of 20 years and were associated with other potentially addictive behaviours.
Highlights
The aims of this study were to investigate stability of problem gambling between 20 and 24 years of age, and the antecedents and consequences of problem gambling at age 20 years
With the recognition that young people are especially vulnerable to problems with gambling, and the evidence that online gambling appears to be increasing among the 16–24-year age group in the UK, more information is needed about how problem gambling evolves in young people so that gambling-related harm can be prevented
We report on problem gambling in this cohort, investigating the stability of problem gambling from age 20 to 24 years; antecedents of problem gambling; and the mental health, substance abuse, and social consequences at age 24 of problem gambling at age 20
Summary
The aims of this study were to investigate stability of problem gambling between 20 and 24 years of age, and the antecedents and consequences of problem gambling at age 20 years. Problem gamblers at age 20 years had a history of hyperactivity and conduct problems in adolescence, high sensation seeking, and an external locus of control They were more likely to have mothers who had problems with gambling, reported less parental supervision, and higher social media usage. The adverse consequences of problematic gambling for young people include negative emotional states, poor educational and vocational outcomes, and difficulties in family or peer relationships (Hardoon et al 2004). Most of this evidence comes from cross-sectional study designs, with few prospective studies of long-term consequences in late adolescence and young adulthood. We have previously published that any gambling in the past year was reported by 54% of 17-year-olds, rising to 68% at 20 years, and
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