1-in-30 suffer from problem gambling according to research

New statistics from the ERSI show that 1-in-3o adults in Ireland suffer from problem gambling, with the figure seeing a 1o-figure rise since 2019.

The research, carried out among 2,850 respondents, found that online gambling accounts for 60% of the total gambling spend of people with problem gambling, with in-person gambling accounting for the rest.

People under 50 had higher rates of problem gambling, with those in their 30s estimated to have the highest rate of problem gambling.

If the survey findings were translated to the entire population of Ireland, 130,000 people would report issues with problem gambling.

The report found that an additional 7.1% of the adult population, or 279,000 people, show moderate evidence of problem gambling and a further 15%, or 590,000 people, report at least some problematic experiences or behaviours in relation to gambling.

Minister of State with responsibility for Law Reform, James Browne TD said “the findings of the ESRI’s latest research on problem gambling further underscores the necessity to recognise and meaningfully confront problem gambling and the harms it causes.”

“Reform of gambling legislation, licensing and regulation is a priority for the Government and my Department.”

“The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, is, at its core, a public health measure aimed at protecting citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.”

“I expect that the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 will complete its journey through the Oireachtas in the coming months, subject to the cooperation of both Houses,” he said.

Researchers have pointed out that their study is more likely to have underestimated the prevalence of problem gambling than to have overestimated it.

Tackling the issue of gambling has become a political issue in recent years, with Labour Senator Mark Wall pushing legislation in the Seanad that would ban gambling ads from being shown in the media.

Anti-gambling advocates have welcomed moves by the Premier League to ban gambling sponsors on team kits from the 2025/2026 season.

Belgium recently banned all gambling advertisements on social media, television and in sports stadiums, with Belgian Minister of Justice Vincent van Quickenborne saying “the measure is necessary because it must to put an end to the trivialisation and normalisation of gambling.”

Statistics from European Gambling and Betting Association found that Europe’s gambling market revenue reached €108,5 billion gross revenue in 2022, marking an 8% increase on 2019 pre-pandemic gambling levels.