Gambling is a very normalised activity within Irish society. For some people, gambling can become problematic and can cause hardships to themselves, their family and the wider community. A gambling addiction, also called compulsive gambling, is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. Gambling addiction is indiscriminate and it affects people across all sections of our communities, but there is a worrying increase amongst young adults. The increase has been attributed to new technologies supporting high-intensity gambling/gaming products and promotions aimed at increasing and driving gambling behaviour. Gambling can lead to gambling addiction disorder which can adversely affect a person’s financial situation, their relationships and mental health. Gambling is not as obvious as the other addictive behaviours and therefore can be hidden and overlooked. In UL we are committed to addressing gambling behaviour and supporting people with an addiction to work towards recovery.
Resources
Answers to some of your questions can be found at:
Information on facts and myths, tips on reducing and knowing when you have a problem can be found at:
Self Assess for Gambling:
