Gambling Has Caused Problems For 10% Of Irish Adults — ESRI

Thursday, 5 October 2023 12:20

By Caoimhe Harney

A new study estimates that 1-in-30 adults in Ireland suffer from problem gambling

New figures from the ESRI indicate that there is far more problem gambling in Ireland than previously believed.

A new study estimates that 1-in-30 adults in Ireland suffer from problem gambling, which is ten times higher than a previous measure from 2019.

Previous estimates on the prevalence of gambling were based on face-to-face interviews, but this ESRI study was done anonymously online, using a representative sample of 2,850 adults.

Researchers say the new 1-in-30 figure closely matches the rate of problem gambling that people report seeing among their friends and family. While the amount that people reported spending on gambling compares well with national figures for industry revenue.

The ESRI said the new figure would equate to 130,000 adults with problem gambling in Ireland, suggesting that the problem is more widespread than previously thought.

A further 7 per cent of the population show 'moderate' evidence of a gambling problem, while a further 590 thousand people reporting some problematic gambling experiences or behaviours.

The ESRI's Pete Lunn says the Behavioural Research Unit was surprised by some of the findings:

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