Responsible gambling, half of young people do not know the risks of gambling

Half of young Italians between the ages of 18 and 25 are still unaware of the concept of 'responsible gaming', and only a small percentage adopt prevention tools to limit the risk associated with gambling. Taking this picture is the research conducted by the Research Unit in Economic Psychology of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and presented in the Senate by the Fair Foundation, dedicated to listening, innovation and research on responsible gaming.

The study, entitled "Responsible Gaming and Young People under 25: Motivations, Contexts and Intervention Strategies", finds that only 51% of young gamers are familiar with the concept of responsible gaming, and in one out of three cases they perceive it as useless or ineffective. Even more alarming is the poor adoption of spending limits: only 18% set precise thresholds, compared to the 1.9 million young people (around 41% of the under-25 population) who have bet or gambled money in the last three months. For Matteo Caroli, president of the Fair Foundation, underlines how the current protection tools are not sufficiently visible or effective among the youngest, highlighting the urgency of a stronger commitment to spread the culture of responsible gaming and ensure transparency and protection for consumers.

Online gaming dominates with 52% of preferences, appreciated for its speed and discretion, but point-of-sale gaming retains a relevant social role, chosen by 24% for the opportunity to socialise. Young people show an ambivalent relationship with money, perceived both as a potential financial redemption and as a source of adrenaline and risk.

Senator Elena Murelli, group leader of the Senate Social Affairs Commission, highlights the need to listen to the new generations and to define concrete responses that prevent risky behaviour, praising the FAIR Foundation's initiative in promoting new standards to combat pathological gaming. While the scientific directors of the research, Cinzia Castiglioni and Edoardo Lozza, highlight the complexity of the phenomenon and the need for targeted strategies that speak the language of young people and involve operators in the sector in a shared responsibility and a more aware approach.