Mobiles ring the changes in gambling
Children as young as nine gamble, according to Playing Social Roulette: The Impact of Gambling on Individuals and Society in Ireland.
The research project also found that problem gamblers began the practice as teenagers and that gambling was now as likely to happen in the home as in a betting shop.
Up to 40,000 people in Ireland have some form of gambling addiction and the traditional age of people seeking help with the condition is dropping.
The study was carried out by researchers at University College Dublin who spoke to 22 gamblers — mostly men — at different stages of recovery from the addiction.
Headed by Dr Crystal Fulton, it also spoke to the families and friends of gamblers as well as to addiction services and sought information from seven betting firms.
Addiction service providers believed online gambling was likely to grow because of ease of access, while some gamblers said technology worsened the addiction.
Dr Fulton said: “Technology has had a profound impact on gambling and is a gateway to secret, hidden, gambling activities.
“The increase of access to the internet and smartphone has seen a rise of gambling among young people and women.
“In fact, many problem gamblers often started gambling as teenagers.”
Gambling was now as likely to happen in the home as a betting shop. However, the study found that the vast majority of people with an addiction bet alone, mostly in a bookies, and about 14% online and in casinos.
Certain forms of gambling were more popular with particular demographic groups- for example, men preferred bookmakers while women mostly chose bingo.
Some of the effects of problem gambling were mood swings, irritability, and short temper. It also showed that some addicts are highly manipulative and secretive or evasive about finances.
The study recommends that a national gambling strategy be put in place.
Launching the report yesterday, Joan Burton, Tánaiste and minister for social protection, said Ireland had a gambling culture.
“Gambling pervades many aspects of Irish life, particularly sporting events,” she said. “The negative effects on young people growing up in this gambling culture are a particular worry.”
Under the Government’s Gambling Control Bill, first published two years ago, a levy will be imposed on betting to create a social fund to be used to promote sensible gambling.
The Gaming & Leisure Association of Ireland (GLAI) welcomed the publication of the study but said it highlighted the consequences of allowing the gambling industry to operate in an unregulated environment.
“While the Tánaiste’s involvement in today’s study is welcomed, in the absence of any progress on regulation we fear such involvement only pays lip-service to a matter of national urgency,” said GLAI director David Hickson yesterday.
