A review commissioned by the Irish Department of Justice and carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has revealed that the extent of problem gambling in Ireland may be underestimated.
Problem Gambling in Ireland Could be Much Worse than Feared states that there are approximately 12,000 adults in Ireland who are recorded as problem gamblers while there are thousands more who are at risk of developing serious issues. However, according to the findings published today, these figures may be significantly underestimated.The study found that gambling, in general, is viewed negatively by the public and so problem gambling is ‘highly stigmatised’. The review has also found that those who are experiencing the harms of gambling may have difficultly in realising that they have a problem or that they need help. As a result, there could be significantly more problem gamblers in Ireland than previously believed.
The review also found that there is reasonably strong evidence to suggest that gambling sites advertising increases gambling. It also reveals that messages relating to ‘responsible gambling’ have very little effect.
Problem Gambling in Ireland Could be Much Worse than Feared, CEO Designate of the Gambling Regulatory Authority said: Problem Gambling in Ireland Could be Much Worse than FearedProfessor Pete Lunn, head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit added:
Problem Gambling in Ireland Could be Much Worse than Feared