FOR DECADES, gambling has been a popular pastime for many in Ireland.

However, given the ease at which casino games and sports betting can now be accessed, it has never been more important to remain responsible at all times.

It is easy for gambling to become addictive, given the anticipation and excitement that goes with placing a bet. On this page, we will outline some of the signs that you may have a gambling problem.

We will also discuss some of the organisations that offer support and the tools available to players who are struggling. 

🤔 What does responsible gambling mean?

When defining responsible gambling, the words entertainment and fun often come up. This is because gambling should not be seen as a way to pay the bills.

It is also important that you recognise the potential pitfalls, which may impact your personal life. Irresponsible gambling involves betting more than you can afford to lose. 

This could be because you struggle to make informed decisions, based on your circumstances or addiction. Irresponsible gambling can lead to financial, mental health and other issues.

Gambling operators and other organisations aim to promote responsible gambling. Meanwhile, support is available to those who have already been impacted through participation in gambling activity. 

🎲 Facts about Gambling in Ireland

Before we get into the heart of our guide, it is important to understand the market.

The following are some useful facts surrounding gambling in Ireland:

• 49% of Irish people have gambled in their lifetime, for about 10% this has lead to problem gambling
• Away from sports betting, lotteries and scratchcards are among the most popular forms of gambling in Ireland. 
• €5+ billion is spent on gambling annually. 
• However, the amount of people gambling has decreased over recent years, from 2,77,000 in 2014/15 to 1,900,000 today. 
• Over 90,000 adults partake in low-risk gambling. 12,000+ adults in Ireland are classed as problem gamblers. 
• Men are more likely than women to engage in gambling. 

🔴 What is considered a ‘gambling problem’?

A gambling problem arises when your activity switches from fun and harmless to unhealthy and obsessive. This behaviour will impact your life, often leading to increased time and money being spent on gambling.

It can also often affect those around you, while interfering with your daily life. 

📝 What are the 5 signs of a gambling problem?

There are a number of signs that you have a gambling problem. The earlier you recognise them, the easier the situation will be to deal with.

The following are the most common indicators that you may have an issue:

• Gambling more than you can afford to lose 
• You are gambling not for entertainment but because you feel the need to
• You are spending an increasing amount of time gambling
• You feel shame or guilt after gambling
• You have tried and failed to limit or stop yourself from gambling

👐 Where can you go for help or support with gambling problems?

If you feel that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, then help is at hand. The organisations below all offer support and tools to assist problem gamblers: 

👨‍🏫 How can you stay in control of gambling online?

There are some steps that you can take in order to maintain control of your gambling activity, in particular when operating online. The following are the tasks that we recommend bettors complete:

• Create a budget and stick to it
• Set deposit limits
• Set session limites
• Set reality checks
• Block gambling ads on your phone
• Do not sign up or opt in for gambling promotions or marketing
• Live a balanced life and find other hobbies you enjoy

⛔ Self Exclusion

Self exclusion is an agreement between player and gambling operators. It means that you would be unable to place bets for a set period of time.

This can be anywhere from 24 hours to an entire year. Self exclusion is a tool that operators must have in place, with it being used by those who have recognised their problem. 

You can choose to exclude yourself from one brand or all gambling operators. Upon entering into such an agreement, your account will be closed and any remaining money returned to you.

Your details will also no longer show on any marketing databases. In the event that you try to gamble during the exclusion period, the business in question should take the necessary steps to stop you from doing so. 

⚽ Is it okay to bet on sports or play casino games?

Of course, it is still possible to bet on sports and play casino games. However, you must do so responsibly.

The vast majority of bettors only bet what they can afford to lose and can walk away if necessary. You should view gambling as a hobby or pastime, rather than as a method of adding to your bank balance. 

🍀 Safer Gambling Week Ireland

In order to further promote responsible gambling in Ireland and the UK, the Betting and Gaming Council, Bacta, Lotteries Council and Bingo Association have joined forces in order to launch “Safer Gambling Week”.

This initiative was established to highlight the measures put in place by those operating in the regulated market, as opposed to unlicensed operators. 

As such, there will be an emphasis on safer gambling content, both online and in land-based venues. There is a hope that this will increase the attention on responsible gambling, while also encouraging the topic to be discussed more freely.

Setting time and deposit limits, as well as how to exclude yourself from gambling are among the most important areas of discussion.

About the author

James Fuller

James is an experienced copywriter with over a decade’s worth of experience in the iGaming industry. He is an avid sports fan, following football, tennis, Formula 1 and golf in particular.