The latest statistics released by the Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI) have revealed a concerning surge in problem gambling in Ireland. According to the study, an estimated 1 in 30 adults in Ireland now grapple with problem gambling, a staggering tenfold increase compared to a similar study conducted in 2019. The research was conducted online and involved 2,850 adults, shedding light on the evolving landscape of gambling-related issues in the country.
Commissioned Study:
This study was commissioned as part of the ongoing efforts to establish the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, in collaboration with the Department of Justice. The findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of problem gambling in Ireland.
Study Findings:
The study’s findings indicate that the amounts reported by participants in the survey align closely with national industry revenue figures. This suggests that the study did not overestimate the extent of gambling behaviors.
Additionally, the research estimated that an additional 279,000 adults exhibit moderate evidence of problem gambling. These individuals display signs of engaging in several negative behaviors associated with problem gambling but do not meet the criteria to be classified as problem gamblers.
Online Gambling Dominance:
Online gambling emerged as a dominant factor, accounting for three-fifths of the total gambling expenditure among problem gamblers. In-person gambling made up the remaining two-fifths. Problem gamblers, on average, spend over €1,000 (approximately US$1,051) per month on gambling activities.
Demographic Insights:
The study uncovered intriguing demographic insights. On average, individuals in their 30s demonstrated the highest rates of problem gambling. Notably, problem gambling appears to be less prevalent among women compared to men. Additionally, it is less common among individuals with higher levels of education. These differences, however, appear to be smaller than previously believed.
Gambling Preferences:
Three-quarters of adults in Ireland reported spending money on at least one form of gambling during the month, with approximately one-third engaging in online gambling. Lotteries and scratch cards emerged as the most common forms of gambling, followed by betting on horseracing, greyhounds, and other sports. Problem gamblers exhibited a higher propensity for slot machines and casino gambling, particularly in the online realm.
The alarming rise in problem gambling in Ireland, as evidenced by this study, underscores the need for proactive measures and regulatory oversight. It is imperative to address this growing concern and implement strategies to promote responsible gambling practices, particularly in the context of the expanding online gambling landscape. The findings of this study serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and organizations committed to tackling problem gambling issues in Ireland.