There are an estimated 12,000 problem gamblers in Ireland, Health Research Board reports

There has been a significant decrease in the number of people gambling in Ireland since 2014, but an estimated 12,000 remain problem gamblers, according to a new report published today by the Health Research Board (HRB).

The HRB has issued its first report on gambling trends and found a 20 percent reduction in gambling overall. The number of people gambling decreased from more than 2.3 million in the period 2014-2015 to 1.9 million by 2019-20.

The survey found that there are 12,000 problem gamblers in Ireland, with 35,000 gamblers described as “moderate-risk gamblers”.

Problem gambling, researchers found, was linked to unemployment and living in a deprived area.

“The report highlights the need to understand both the social and psychological risk factors that lead to problem gambling in order to shape regulatory and public health responses,” Said Dr. Deirdre Mongan from the HRB.

“This could include the regulation of access to gambling, the screening of individuals at-risk, and the provision of and greater access to dedicated treatment services.”

“While the overall prevalence of at-risk and problem gambling is relatively low, the data presented in this bulletin indicate that there is a need for treatment provision in Ireland for those with gambling problems,” the report says in its conclusion. 

 “It also shows that gambling problems affect the lives of 135,000 people in Ireland, in particular, young men and people experiencing socio-economic deprivation. said Mongan

“The correlation between problem gambling and harmful alcohol or drug use is of real concern as the presence of substance use disorders can lead to difficulties in treatment,” she said.

It also notes that the Health Service Executive (HSE) addiction services have traditionally focused on problematic drug and alcohol use and do not provide specific gambling services.

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