Study: Gambling Addiction Hits 1 in 30 Irish Adults

A new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in Ireland reveals that gambling addiction is a serious problem in the country. The study used an anonymous online survey of 2,850 adults to measure the extent of gambling harm.

The results show that about one in every 30 respondents has a gambling addiction. That means 130,000 Irish adults are hooked on gambling, based on the total adult population of Ireland.  Another 270,000 people suffer from moderate harm — they borrow money to gamble, but don’t qualify as addicts.

The average Irish gambler spends around €1,000 per month on gambling, which makes up over 25% of all gambling spending in the country.

The study also found that young players around 30 years old are the most vulnerable.

ESRI reports that compared to a previous survey in 2019, the number of gambling addicts has increased tenfold. However, the institute notes that the previous survey was not anonymous and involved face-to-face interviews, which might have affected the responses. Professor Pete Lunn, Head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit, thinks that gambling addiction in Ireland may be worse than previously thought.