Number of gamblers seeking help trebles

THE number of people attending Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meetings around the country has doubled and in some places trebled over the past six months as people can no longer afford their betting habits.

A spokesman for GA said there has been a surge in people attending meetings as addicts could no longer keep on top of gambling bills due to changed economic circumstances.

“Less than a year ago meetings around Dublin city had just five or six people – seven at most – but now some are catering for up to 30 people,” the spokesman said.