Problem Gambling Help in Ireland

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling does not always look the same. Some people gamble large amounts rarely; others gamble small amounts constantly. What matters is the effect on your life. Common signs include:

• Thinking about gambling frequently, or feeling restless when you try to stop
• Chasing losses — betting more to try to recover money already lost
• Gambling with money set aside for rent, bills, or food
• Hiding gambling activity from family or friends, or lying about it
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
• Missing work, study, or family commitments because of gambling
• Feeling that gambling is out of your control, even when you want to stop

Experiencing some of these does not mean you have a clinical disorder — but it is a signal worth taking seriously. The earlier you seek help, the more options are available.

Where to Get Help in Ireland

All of the following services are free and confidential:

Self-Help Tools at Irish Gambling Sites

Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, all GRAI-licensed operators must provide a range of responsible gambling tools. You do not need to be in crisis to use them — they are there for everyone:

• Deposit limits — cap daily, weekly, or monthly spending (reductions take effect immediately)
• Self-exclusion — block access to your account for a minimum of 6 months or permanently
• Reality checks — on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
• Session time limits — set a maximum session length before a prompt appears
• Cooling-off periods — if you request a limit increase, a mandatory wait applies before it goes through

All these tools are found under Responsible Gambling or Account Settings. Setting a deposit limit takes under two minutes. Read our deposit limits guide → or self-exclusion guide → for step-by-step instructions.

Supporting Someone with a Gambling Problem

If someone you care about is struggling with gambling, it can be difficult to know what to do. A few principles that tend to help:

• Stay calm and non-judgmental. Shame and blame rarely help and often push people further away from seeking help.
• Listen more than you advise. Sometimes being heard is what a person needs first.
• Share information, not ultimatums. Let them know that help is available — 1800 753 753 or gamblersanonymous.ie — without making it conditional on their choices.
• Get support for yourself. Gam-Anon (linked from gamblersanonymous.ie) exists specifically for families and partners of people with gambling problems. The Gambling Awareness Trust can also advise family members directly.
• Protect your own finances. If gambling is affecting shared money, Citizens Information and MABS can advise on steps to take.

Frequently Asked Questions