Research confirms the link between gambling advertising and gambling addiction
New research has shown that gambling advertising has a greater impact on people who already suffer from serious gambling problems. This is what the Journal of Gambling Studies reports based on research conducted by a number of experts.
Although previous studies often used online panels and data from registered gamblers. This research suggests that such methods may overestimate the severity of gambling problems.
Influence of gambling advertising on gambling addiction
For this study a group of gamblers with an officially diagnosed gambling addiction were examined. In total 210 people participated. The majority 92.9% were male. And on average they were 39 years old. Who were followed for almost two years in a large public hospital.
The results of the study show that frequent exposure to gambling advertising predicts that gambling problems will be more serious. This confirms previous findings obtained in non-clinical settings.
Need for regulation of gambling advertising
This research fits well with existing scientific evidence. Which advocates stricter restrictions on gambling advertising. Since the impact of such advertising is disproportionately on those who already experience gambling problems, this research underlines the need for further regulation to limit the harm caused by gambling.