Problem Gambling in Ireland — Statistics, Signs and Support

Problem gambling is more widespread in Ireland than official figures have historically suggested. This page brings together the best available research, explains the signs to watch for, and lists every support service available to people in Ireland — whether you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about.

1. How Common Is Problem Gambling in Ireland?

Research cited in the GRAI Annual Report 2026 — drawing on joint ESRI/GRAI research — estimates that approximately 130,000 adults in Ireland experience problem gambling. This figure represents a significant upward revision from earlier estimates, which were based on older survey methodologies that undercounted harms in the population.

The same ESRI research found that harmful gambling in Ireland is "about ten times higher than previously thought" — a finding that informed the Government's decision to frame the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 explicitly as a public health measure, as noted in analysis by McCann FitzGerald partner Alan Heuston in SBC News.

ESRI research commissioned by the GRAI also found that free bets and money-back guarantees increased gambling spending by over 10% in experimental conditions — one reason these inducements are now subject to restrictions under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.

2. Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling does not always look like extreme behaviour. Many people experiencing gambling harm continue to function at work and at home while the problem escalates. The following signs are drawn from recognised clinical frameworks (Gambling Awareness Trust, HSE, GamAnon):

• Chasing losses — betting more to try to recover money lost in previous sessions
• Hiding gambling activity — deleting betting app notifications, lying about time or money spent
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund betting
• Gambling to relieve stress, boredom, anxiety or low mood — using it as an emotional regulation tool
• Missing work, family events or social commitments due to gambling or recovery from losses
• Continuing despite wanting to stop — repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit
• Preoccupation with gambling — constantly thinking about past bets or planning the next session
• Financial consequences — unpaid bills, credit card debt, missing rent or mortgage payments
• Relationship strain — arguments with partners, family withdrawal, isolation
• Tolerance creep — needing to bet increasingly larger amounts to get the same excitement

3. What Tools Do GRAI-Licensed Bookmakers Have to Offer?

Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, all GRAI-licensed operators are legally required to offer a suite of responsible gambling tools. These are not optional features — they are mandatory licence conditions. They must be applied immediately when requested and must not require the player to contact customer support to enforce them.

If a GRAI-licensed operator fails to offer these tools, makes them difficult to access, or does not apply a limit or exclusion immediately, this is a breach of their licence. See Section 6 on what to do.

4. Where to Get Help in Ireland

All of the above services are free and confidential. You do not need to be in crisis to call or make contact — many people reach out when they are beginning to notice warning signs, well before things become unmanageable.

5. What the New GRAI Rules Mean for Safer Gambling

The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 represented the most significant reform of Irish gambling law since the foundation of the State. Among its harm-reduction provisions:

• Credit card ban (1 July 2026): Deposits using credit cards are banned across all GRAI-licensed operators. This is a direct harm-reduction measure — research consistently links credit card gambling to higher rates of problem gambling because it removes the connection between gambling and real available money.
• Mandatory responsible gambling tools: Deposit limits, session limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion are no longer optional features — they are mandatory licence conditions. Operators must implement them immediately on request.
• Restricted inducements: Free bets, bonus offers, and money-back guarantees are subject to restrictions. ESRI research commissioned by the GRAI found these promotions increased gambling spending by over 10% in experimental conditions.
• Age verification mandatory: GRAI-licensed operators must verify that all players are 18 or over before allowing any gambling activity.
• Player complaint rights: Under Parts 7 and 8 of the Act, players can file formal complaints with the GRAI against operators who fail to enforce responsible gambling obligations.
• National Gambling Exclusion Register: Operated by the GRAI using a Deloitte/Salesforce system, the register allows a single self-exclusion to apply across every GRAI-licensed operator.

6. If a Bookmaker Ignores Your Self-Exclusion or Limit Request

Failure by a licensed operator to apply a self-exclusion, deposit limit, or cooling-off period immediately is a breach of their GRAI licence obligations under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.

If this happens to you:

1. Gather evidence — take screenshots of your request confirmation, your account activity after the exclusion should have applied, and any communications with the operator.
2. Contact the operator first — write to their compliance or customer service team, specifically citing the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and their licence obligations. Keep a record of all responses.
3. File a complaint with the GRAI under Part 7 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Submit via grai.ie. The GRAI has statutory enforcement powers including fines of up to €20 million or 10% of the operator's annual turnover, whichever is greater.
4. Contact the Gambling Awareness Trust (1800 753 753) if you need emotional support during this process — they can also signpost you to legal advice if needed.

7. Frequently Asked Questions