In this blog, we go over different resources/helplines Irish gamblers can refer to for help, signs you should pay attention to that suggest you have a gambling problem, different types of gambling therapy, and some gambling statistics on Ireland gamblers. Even if you feel like it, you are not alone! Let’s get you the help you need.

• The Complete List of Irish Responsible Gambling Institutions
• Responsible Gambling Institutions with Free Helplines
• Does Gambling Count as a Mental Illness?
• Signs that Indicate you have a Gambling Addiction
• Gambling Therapy– Paid Or Free?
• Available Therapies for Gambling Addiction in Ireland
• General Gambling Statistics in Ireland
• Is there a Prevalent Gambling Addiction Problem in Ireland?
• Safe Gambling Habits to Practice 
• References

The Complete List of Irish Responsible Gambling Institutions

How we Carried out our Research on Each Institution

We analysed the efficiency of each institution’s therapy program drawing upon our diverse backgrounds.

Engaging our experts’ education in psychology – and particularly the gambler’s psychology – as well as our first-hand knowledge of the Irish market, we were able to crunch this information into a more intuitive percentual value.

Skip the scam casinos!

Play responsibly at trusted Irish online casinos. We always make sure you have the necessary responsible gambling tools to set up spending limits and keep it on the entertainment side!

Responsible Gambling Institutions with Free Helplines

The main benefits of using the Free Helplines

• While not a therapy in itself, helplines can be of great help
• Pathological bettors may get professional assistance at any hour
• When the urges are confronted on the spot, it can prevent relapse
• A free phone call may be all the gambler needs to be linked with a suitable, responsible gambling institution afterwards

Does Gambling Count as a Mental Illness?

Gambling in itself is not an illness. Most players can enjoy this form of entertainment without any repercussions over their life.

Emotionally vulnerable people are more prone to compulsive gambling

Suppose you recognise a compulsion to gamble in yourself or a loved one. In that case, refer to our practical guide and make the first steps to stop gambling addiction.

According to the Bible of Psychiatry (APA’s DSM-5), problem gambling is an impulse-control disorder.

The patient has gambled uncontrollably and now they cannot refrain from their impulse to bet any more.

Signs that Indicate you have a Gambling Addiction

• Mood swings
• Feelings of helplessness
• Depression
• Intense preoccupation with gambling
• Cravings
• Insomnia
• Exhaustion
• Unreliability
• Evasive behaviour
• Secrecy
• Dishonesty
• Borrowing money to play
• Debts incurred from playing
• Social isolation

Toxic gambling habits can lead to more serious illnesses

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low-self esteem
• Personality disorders
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Suicidal ideation

Major Types of Compulsive Gamblers According to Scientific Researchers

Gambling Therapy– Paid Or Free?

An Irish player presumed to have a gambling disorder may access free and paid therapies to get well again.

The right choice depends on a person’s psychology and the severity of their gambling problem.

Opening up with regards to your problem in a non-judgmental context is the first step to healing. You shouldn’t disregard the therapeutic value of simply talking to someone you know and trust.

Free phone counselling is the first step!

Anyone suspecting themselves or a loved one of compulsive betting should first call a free addiction helpline for an expert’s assessment.

Serious gambling addiction may require paid and extensive therapy

Available Therapies for Gambling Addiction in Ireland

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT centres on detecting and resolving problematic thought patterns and perceptions that trigger the compulsion to gamble.

What does CBT look for?

Addicts often assume gambling fallacies. These are classic examples of thought patterns that reinforce the compulsion to gamble.

The player might think that a series of lost wagers in roulette cannot go on forever. The ball will eventually fall in a red pocket, right?

Or, they might believe that they must win when wearing a lucky charm.

But these imply an ability to control random events, which is impossible.

Motivational counselling

Motivational counselling is a form of therapeutic intervention that aims to dispel hesitancy toward quitting. It’s based on the following principles:

• Empathic attitude toward the addict’s hesitancy
• Understanding the mismatch between one’s behaviour and their aim
• Non-confrontational approach
• Reinforcement of the right perceptions about one’s state
• Supporting the betting addict’s capacity for self-transformation

Gamblers Anonymous (12-step programs)

12 step programs originated in the 1930s as a form of spiritually-inclined group therapy for alcoholics.

Its efficiency has been proven over the years for alcohol addiction, which prompted various organisations to apply its main principles for other forms of addiction. Such principles include:

• Sharing within a group
• Mutual aid
• Praying/meditation
• Fortifying motivation
• Forming better coping skills
• Improving the addicts’ self-image
• Building meaningful relationships and social networks

Family therapy

Family therapy works on the premise that addiction is a systemic issue rooted in family dynamics.

It can be accessed in itself or as part of a more comprehensive recovery program.

The key benefit of this therapy is that it focuses on addiction antecedents in the gambler’s family, as well as the consequences of their behaviour.

Not only the individual gambler is healed in this manner, but also the ramifications of problem gambling within their family, contributing to better success rates.

Alternative therapies for gambling addiction

• Art
• Yoga
• Acupuncture
• Meditation

General Gambling Statistics in Ireland

• Betting prevalence in Ireland’s general population is estimated at 64.5%
• The figure amounts to around 3 million gamblers
• Irish players wager over €5 billion yearly
• In 2016, Ireland was ranked third globally for betting losses
• 12% of all Irish adults gamble in betting shops weekly
• 3 in 4 Irish people know a problem gambler
• Irish people affected by betting-related disorders (directly or indirectly) amount to ≈330,000

Teen gambling

• In 2010, the prevalence of teen gambling was double that of adults
• The trend maintains its relevance for today, raising serious public health concerns
• 1 of 10 university and post-graduate students are problem bettors

Gambling prevalence by age

Problem gambling prevalence

Addiction prevalence by gender is confirmed by the fact that 4.7% of Irish male bettors and 1.7% of female gamblers reported chasing losses.

Is there a Prevalent Gambling Addiction Problem in Ireland?

Roughly 2% of Irish gamblers develop a disorder – twice the global average.

In the UK, problem gambling rates are estimated at around 0.7% (UKGC), with some pessimistic studies citing 2.7% (YouGov).

Considering these facts, Ireland may seem problematic. However, comparing estimated addiction prevalence doesn’t tell us very much.

Is youth gambling Ireland’s problem?

Ireland’s real problem with bis to be found in the 15-24 age group, with an approximate 2% young problem gamblers.

That’s within the global average of 1-2%, so you could say that Irish betting goes on ‘normally’.

Teen gambling addiction is a global problem!

Youngsters up to 24 years are more at risk of developing an addiction to gambling because they cannot yet form proper coping mechanisms.

We believe that a serious talk about addiction should first and foremost tackle the young’s vulnerability.

We cannot solve this issue with a top-down approach, no matter how great the government’s involvement. However, it is a parent’s duty to protect their children from gambling addiction!

Safe Gambling Habits to Practice 

References

Academic articles

• Types of Psychotherapy for Pathological Gamblers
• Gamblers Anonymous as a Recovery Pathway: A Scoping Review
• Four kinds of compulsive gamblers identified
• Playing Social Roulette: The Impact of Gambling on Individuals and Society in Ireland
• HRB publish first report on Irish gambling trends

Responsible gambling institutions

• Gambling Care Ireland
• Gamblers Anonymous Ireland
• Problem Gambling Ireland