Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

There are an estimated 12,000 problem gamblers in Ireland, health report finds

The most common type of gambling was the buying of a lottery ticket or scratch card.

A NEW HEALTH report has found that the number of people who gamble has decreased in the past five years – but also that men are five times more likely than women to be at risk of problem gambling.

The Health Research Board (HRB) report, published today, looked at gambling trends among people aged 15 and over.

It found that fewer people were gambling in Ireland overall.

Based on a survey of over 5,700 people, almost half of all people had gambled in the past 12 months.

The most common type of gambling was buying a lottery ticket or scratch card, with 10% of people gambling in a bookmaker’s.

The number of people gambling had decreased from the last survey, from 2,377,000 in 2014/2015 to 1,900,000 in 2019/2020.

Men are more likely to be at-risk gamblers

The research found that when lottery gambling was removed, men were more likely to be gamblers than women.

“This new HRB data indicates that most people who gamble, do so safely,” said Dr Deirdre Mongan from the HRB.

She said that men are five times more likely than women to be at-risk gamblers.

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

“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.

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,” Dr Mongan said.

“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.”

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 24 comments
Close
24 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Enda Ireland
    Favourite Enda Ireland
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:33 PM

    We do lead the world in politicians talking crap.

    366
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alois Irlmaier
    Favourite Alois Irlmaier
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:53 PM

    @Enda Ireland: The problem here with us is that our history was ruined by informers, we do breed a lot of people who enjoy serving others behind backs and that is what ruins us as a people and nation. We can still see that in how the Dail works and how this country is run, we do not do a thing without running to Merkel, IMF or ECB behind the peoples backs?

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dot Com
    Favourite Dot Com
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 11:28 PM

    @Alois Irimaier
    I think we have career advisors in gray suits running the country, Kenny and his kind are just the face of government these people behind closed doors walk away with big pensions never taking any flack for the decisions and cuts they implement.

    46
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donncha Mac Sléimhne
    Favourite Donncha Mac Sléimhne
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 11:34 PM

    What is your source for this “fact”?

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Christy Nolan
    Favourite Christy Nolan
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 11:36 PM

    @Enda Ireland:
    Who checks FactCheck and who cheques FactCheck?

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bobby Connolly
    Favourite Bobby Connolly
    Report
    Oct 3rd 2016, 12:19 AM

    The source is quite clear. … i heard a man with two pints say exactly the same thing.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Irving Chubbie
    Favourite Irving Chubbie
    Report
    Oct 3rd 2016, 4:12 AM

    @Enda Ireland: Skilled my arse. TALENTED

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ed Magnier
    Favourite Ed Magnier
    Report
    Oct 3rd 2016, 4:52 AM

    @Enda Ireland: You should travel more.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute George Murphy
    Favourite George Murphy
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:26 PM

    We lead the world in overpaying politicians

    244
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seymour business
    Favourite Seymour business
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:26 PM

    On a completely unrelated story. Where is the section that reviews the comments of the week highlighting the story that got the most green thumbs????? The story about denis O’Brien being called out by Donald trump got nearly 2000 green thumbs the biggest response I’ve every seen. Yet no comment from the journal. ie. WTF…

    188
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Murray
    Favourite Dave Murray
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:29 PM

    @Seymour business: Can’t be annoying poor DOB.

    121
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Mc
    Favourite Paul Mc
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 9:51 PM

    Or as he’s known to his friends O Bribe.

    79
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:10 PM

    In fairness there’s not many people who believe Enda transparent government anymore.

    173
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gus Sheridan
    Favourite Gus Sheridan
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 9:54 PM

    We lead the world in corrupt politicians

    79
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trevor Beale
    Favourite Trevor Beale
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:10 PM

    Of course it’s false. Most of the comments made by fine gael are false.

    165
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tensing Norgay
    Favourite Tensing Norgay
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:39 PM

    It amazes me that we should try and debunk any such claim , rather instead , we have a queue of people who are more interested in getting in their FG are liars jibes. Who gives a shite if it FG/FF/ SF or the man in the moon , Isn’t that what a government should do . Ie promote us ?? Should they say we are ok , kinda of alright . To hell with that , we have a small population with little or no natural resources , we need to take any advantage or leg up we can get

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al Ca
    Favourite Al Ca
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:44 PM

    @Tensing Norgay: OK…let them away with lies and corruption….wouldn’t want to upset any pocket stuffers or their supporters.

    99
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Poole Hyde
    Favourite Poole Hyde
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:50 PM

    Ha ha… very good…so they’re not flat out lying to us.. they’re promoting us.. “best little country to do business “, “most talented people ” etc. while the country’s colleges have fallen off the academic scale under their watch. Sure they only have our best interests at heart…

    78
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aoife
    Favourite Aoife
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 9:15 PM

    Tensing. Maybe it’s just me but I’d like to think that the members of the dail would only speak facts and not just make stuff up. What if a foreign company decided to invest here after listening to enda speak only to find out what he said wasn’t true, it’s important that people know that td’s only speak facts and I think that’s more important than waffling out any old rubbish. I know you disagree but it seems to me you’ve excepted a low threshold for accountability in governance.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al Ca
    Favourite Al Ca
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:32 PM

    @Aoife: Tensing needs to come down off his mountain and see the breakdown of our society that FG caused by playing people off against each other just so they could stay stuffing their pockets.
    FG are parasites and nothing more.

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jenni
    Favourite jenni
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 11:28 PM

    al…as parasites go, they are fairly awful yokes..but to compare them to any FG Td is insulting to any parasite. have we a word for lower than parasite?

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sam Palmer
    Favourite Sam Palmer
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:08 PM

    Jesus, can Fine Tory even open their mouths without lying anymore?
    Same type of spin as their British counterparts who can rob you blind while telling you you’re getting a good deal.
    Cmon people, get them out of Dail Eireann before it’s too late.

    130
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john doe
    Favourite john doe
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 9:30 PM

    In fairness, we were number one last year. Not so much blatant lies as bigging us up a tad.

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john doe
    Favourite john doe
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 9:35 PM

    We pay these guys way too much. All elected politicians should have use the Public Health Service by law and their salaries should be limited to 10 times the minimum wage……
    We’d have some world class health system then… And on minimum wage wouldn’t be a bad place to be!!!

    51
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al Ca
    Favourite Al Ca
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:37 PM

    @john doe: Don’t forget the €4,000 a month in expenses that can be claimed by all TD’s…..and now we can’t know what those expenses are anymore, because Howlin pushed through a motion last year on the QT under the guise of privacy.
    Let’s hear again, that great word they said would be their mantra……’Transparency!’

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard Cronin
    Favourite Richard Cronin
    Report
    Oct 3rd 2016, 1:20 AM

    Bitch moan all you want, elect fecktards or children of fecktards expect fecktards or just blame the British. In all honesty do you actually give a shit or just wannabe rebels.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Dickenson
    Favourite David Dickenson
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:05 PM

    Skilled Labour, the party fails as well.

    103
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andy K
    Favourite Andy K
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:52 PM

    Irelands main attraction at the moment are the tremendous tax breaks on offer for multinationals. Sadly not available for SMEs….

    87
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Molloy
    Favourite Shane Molloy
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 9:01 PM

    Where’s my tax cut. I remained in Ireland helping to keep this raft afloat and was the meat in the sandwich between the handouts and the corrupt ones who escaped paying their fair share

    83
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Poole Hyde
    Favourite Poole Hyde
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 8:19 PM

    I see the ghost of Blue Hugh no longer haunts The Journal office.. you wouldn’t have gotten that verdict two years ago if circumstances were the same.

    79
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richie Smith
    Favourite Richie Smith
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:51 PM

    Enda’s biggest problem is that he’s been caught lying so many times that nobody believes a word that he says.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute robert lester
    Favourite robert lester
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:08 PM

    World leaders in useless politicians that take the county for a ride without fear of chastisement.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Upowthat Burke
    Favourite Upowthat Burke
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:13 PM

    Two years is normal for enda to twig what’s going on

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute @mdmak33
    Favourite @mdmak33
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 11:12 PM

    Do we need any more proof,this clown must go.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Liam John Bradshaw
    Favourite Liam John Bradshaw
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:10 PM

    We were once a nation of skilled tradesmen back in the so called days of the Boom. When the building trade fell apart it sent the country into a whirlwind of huge unemployment & another era of Doom & Gloom. In my home town our young 20 something’s left for foreign shores just like other towns in Ireland. Older people like myself were told to retrain in the computer workforce & some did, with a result we have an overload of people retrained in this employment & most of our young & up & coming tradesmen have gone to other shores. I was taught years ago, when the building trade was up & going the country feeds of that & a lot of people gain employment from it. Will we have the workforce to regain those years again, I don’t think so.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aoife
    Favourite Aoife
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 11:10 PM

    Liam I did a course on computers a while back and a man on it, an unemployed builder in his late fifties with hands like shovels had been told to do it or else. He was trying to learn to type but was having zero success, it was a total mismatch of skills.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Liam John Bradshaw
    Favourite Liam John Bradshaw
    Report
    Oct 3rd 2016, 6:52 AM

    @Aoife: My exact point, I’ve met some of these people over the years. Some were good at it others on an older age found it harder to cope. Back about 25 years when the training centres were called ‘Anco’ it was similar. We all gathered in a room & spent our days with a copy of the Irish Times & were told to apply for all the jobs from a MD’s job to a dog walkers job even doe some of the jobs would neither suit our experience or training, we were given a banana to train in mock phone interviews. Can you believe in that. Mr Kenny & a lot of his colleagues were in Leinster House back then.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Kirk
    Favourite Chris Kirk
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:20 PM

    Skilled labour…..is that labours way or Frankfurts way!!

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Maher
    Favourite Stephen Maher
    Report
    Oct 3rd 2016, 12:40 AM

    Delighted Mayo lost Kenny Ye big Bollox Ye.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mercurial 49
    Favourite Mercurial 49
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:01 PM

    Yes, of course we do. It’s one of our main exports.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Hartigan
    Favourite Tony Hartigan
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 11:54 PM

    So he is still telling lies

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute William Clay
    Favourite William Clay
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:51 PM

    Cmon Journal, let’s have a fact check on the classic Thomas Byrne tale earlier today

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute clad
    Favourite clad
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 9:18 PM

    This is the second Fact check that’s sought to undermine, albeit with facts, our marketing platitudes for FDI.

    Not cool, beginning to think this is a UK site in disguise

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cormac Laffan
    Favourite Cormac Laffan
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 9:30 PM

    @clad: The markets are influenced by Mary and her ability to be lie with impunity?!
    Well, you learn something every day.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute now-now-now
    Favourite now-now-now
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:14 PM

    My God! We are only 5th in the World. Awful news!

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute james r
    Favourite james r
    Report
    Oct 3rd 2016, 1:25 AM

    Maybe but definitely not in Politicans all we have are clowns

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel O'Neill
    Favourite Nigel O'Neill
    Report
    Oct 3rd 2016, 10:21 AM

    Shows how FoS Enda is on many levels! If we have the most skilled and educated labor force as he proclaims, then surely thats good enough reason for multinationals to be setting up and employing here and paying the proper rate of tax for availing of our highly skilled workforce?!!??!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Powerabbey
    Favourite Powerabbey
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:12 PM

    Free the Journal 50

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al Ca
    Favourite Al Ca
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 10:40 PM

    @Powerabbey: Is that all you got left, since FG went nosediving?…..it’s pitiful.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute steve white
    Favourite steve white
    Report
    Oct 2nd 2016, 9:12 PM

    and “availability of skilled labour” mean?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Catherine Mill
    Favourite Catherine Mill
    Report
    Oct 3rd 2016, 5:59 PM

    What colour is the sky in Enda’s world?

    We are years behind.

    Our true experts emigrate and the ones I know have no intention of returning.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      News in 60 seconds