Early exposure could fuel problem gambling

Children exposed to frequent or excessive gambling could be more likely to become problem gamblers later in life, new research shows.

Researchers from Swinburne University interviewed low, moderate and high-risk gamblers in Victoria, who described their earliest gambling experiences.

Many were exposed to gambling from an early age but those who developed gambling problems were more likely to recall harmful behaviour, Australian Gambling Research Centre manager Anna Thomas said.

While low-risk gamblers placed occasional bets on the Melbourne Cup or received lottery tickets as gifts, problem gamblers said they regularly had bets placed for them and were taken by family members to horse races and betting agencies.

Dr Thomas said children exposed to frequent or high-risk gambling were likely to consider it normal behaviour, leaving them more vulnerable in later life.

"Gambling is one of those things that, unlike other risky behaviours, parents often approve of and get their children involved in," she told AAP.

"They don't see it as something that is a risk factor for children so kids will often get scratch-it tickets in their birthday cards and things like that.

"I think it's really important to let parents know that a level of care needs to be taken in terms of this type of exposure and explaining to children about the risks associated with gambling."

The study, funded by Victoria's Department of Justice, found most high-risk gamblers also experienced negative early life experiences, including parental separation, addiction and mental health issues.

The research will be presented at the Australian Institute of Family Studies' annual conference in Melbourne next week.