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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Henry Belot

‘Suddenly it’s cool’: children believe use of influencers in gambling ads makes it seem fun

People using phones in front of TV
Researchers say children are increasingly concerned that influencer endorsements are encouraging and normalising gambling. Photograph: LeoPatrizi/Getty Images

Children as young as 12 believe celebrities and influencers who are paid to promote gambling are making the practice seem safe, normal, attractive and fun, according to a new study.

The study, funded by the Australian Research Council, heard from children who believed the use of stars such as the former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal in ads were making their peers more likely to consider gambling.

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