Gambling a factor in number of suicides in Ireland, new study finds

It is estimated 46% of adults and 18% of adolescents worldwide have gambled in the past 12 months, with the rate of problematic gambling among adults in Ireland at 3.3%.

Gambling has been identified as a potential factor in 0.6% of all suicides in Ireland between 2015 and 2020, according to the findings of a new study.

Researchers found references to gambling in the files of coroners in relation to 23 out of 3,625 deaths recorded as due to suicide over the six-year period.

However, they also claim the numbers are likely to be an underrepresentation of the true figure for a number of reasons, including gambling being hidden from family and friends due to stigma and the perceived relevance of gambling to the coroner’s investigation.

The average age of such cases was 38.7 years.

The analysis of data compiled by the Irish Probable Suicide Deaths Study also found men were overrepresented in the results, accounting for 91% of all cases where coronial files on suicide contained references to gambling.

In addition, fewer than half (43%) were in employment at the time of death.

The study recommends a public health approach to reducing gambling harm should be embedded in a wide range of policies, including mental health, men’s health, substance use, online safety and suicide prevention.

It claimed the development of a new suicide prevention strategy, on which work will soon commence, offers the opportunity to include gambling as an area for action.

The study, published in the medical journal, Addictive Behaviors, observed gambling and the availability of gambling products had increased dramatically around the world in the last 30 years.

It is estimated 46% of adults and 18% of adolescents worldwide have gambled in the past 12 months, with the rate of problematic gambling among adults in Ireland at 3.3%, with a further 7.1% having multiple problematic gambling experiences.

Researchers pointed out that gambling harms not only affect the health and wellbeing of the individual who gambles but also their families, community and wider society through financial difficulties, mental health issues, relationship problems, addiction, crime and suicidality.

The study noted gambling-related harms are vast and varied with evidence gambling is associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts.

The authors of the report, led by researchers at the Institute of Public Health, said their aim was to identify and profile individuals who died by suicide and had gambling documented in their coronial file.

They acknowledged coronial files on such deaths also referenced numerous socioeconomic factors, interpersonal issues and mental health conditions, including addiction, in addition to gambling.