According to a report on gambling trends in Ireland, there are approximately 12,000 problem gamblers in the country despite a 20% reduction in gambling overall.
The report, released today, is the first of its kind carried out by The Health and Research Board (HRB). It also reveals that gambling addiction in the country is closely associated with both substance abuse and living in deprived areas.
5,762 people were surveyed with data from the study, carried out throughout 2019/20, compared to data collected in 2014/15.
Of those surveyed, 49% said that they had gambled at some point in the previous 12 months with the most common type of gambling being lottery ticket purchases. 10% of those surveyed revealed that they had placed a bet in a bookmaker’s shop recently.
However, the study also revealed that the biggest decline in gambling activity was seen in lottery ticket purchases which dropped from 57% in 2014/15 to 42% in 2019/20.
The report also found that men were five times more likely than women to become problem gamblers while it also noted a strong tie-in with substance abuse, particularly alcohol. 13% of people with an alcohol use disorder were found to be at risk of or already suffering from the harms of problem gambling. Meanwhile only 2% of social drinkers had the same issues with gambling.
The study shows that there are around 90,000 adults in Ireland who are considered low-risk gamblers while there are 35,000 who are considered moderate-risk gamblers and 12,000 adults who are problem gamblers.
Speaking of study’s findings relating to problem gambling, HRB Research Officer and lead author Dr Deirdre Mongan said:
“In terms of the profile of at-risk or problem gamblers, commonly, it is men aged 25–34 who are living in a deprived area, are unemployed and experience substance use problems such as drug use, an alcohol use disorder or smoking.”
Ireland is currently in the midst of a gambling industry review which has been driven by the country’s previously lax approach to problem gambling. Under proposed legislation, the government plans to establish a regulator and a self-exclusion register. Other proposed changes to the country’s existing laws could also see the banning of free bets and promotional credits to new customers.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.