Two per cent of adolescents in the UK - 60,000 12 to 15-year-olds - are problem gamblers, yet only five per cent of parents would stop their child from gambling.
Nothing in the school curriculum helps children understand the risks and how to manage them and there is no coherent national strategy to address this. These are the findings brought together by GamCare, the leading national provider of support, advice and treatment for problem gambling.
Minister for Tourism and Heritage John Penrose, who has responsibility in government for gambling policy, said: “GamCare has highlighted an important issue. Better education for the young - and for parents - is key to preventing problems later in life.
“Many people enjoy gambling as a sociable leisure activity, but helping young people to understand how to gamble responsibly and to make informed choices is vital to ensuring we keep gambling safe and fun.”
