New study claims 130,000 adults in Ireland suffer from problem gambling
Latest research from the Economic and Social Research Institute suggests almost 50% of gambling spend is done so by those with signs of problem gambling
A new study has claimed that one in 30 Irish adults are suffering from problem gambling, equating to 130,000 adults in the country.
According to the latest research from Ireland’s Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), the most recent estimate puts the country’s problem gambling rate at 10 times higher than previous data from 2019.
The study was completed in August via an anonymous online survey of 2,850 adults. The ESRI said the increase in the problem gambling rate was likely found due to the new online surveying method.
Previous problem gambling estimates in Ireland have been based on face-to-face interviews.
Along with 130,00 adults with problem gambling, the study extrapolated that a further 279,000 adults show “moderate evidence of problem gambling”.
In terms of spending habits, the research indicated that people with problem gambling spend on average more than €1,000 per month on gambling.
The ESRI suggested this figure meant that more than a quarter of all money spent on gambling in Ireland was done by people with problem gambling.
That figure rises to almost 50% when data also includes those who show moderate evidence of problem gambling.
Demographically, the ESRI noted people under the age of 50 have the highest rates of problem gambling, with those in their 30s estimated to have the highest rate in that cohort.
Problem gambling is less common among women and is also less common among those with a higher education. However, the ESRI said the differences were “smaller than previously thought”.
Lotteries and scratchcards were the most common forms of gambling, followed by sports betting.
Slots and online casinos were the more common product choices among those displaying signs of problem gambling for sports betting.
Anne Marie Caulfield, Gambling Regulatory Authority CEO designate, said the extent of problem gambling in Ireland is currently “hidden from public view”.
She added: “Problem gambling impacts not just on the individual involved but also on their family and friends.
“The insights from this and other studies into gambling in Ireland will be invaluable to the Authority as we undertake our work in education, awareness and in introducing other measures such as the exclusion register to protect against gambling harm.”