by Louise Doyle
THE stark reality of gambling addiction in Donegal has come under the spotlight after it was revealed a support service provided therapeutic sessions to 2,591 people in the county last year.
The Gambling Therapy and Support Service is a two-year pilot project operating from the Finn Valley Resource Centre.
The latest meeting of Donegal Joint Policing Committee (JPC) heard that gambling addiction nationwide has surged in five years, with 130,000 adults now presenting with a gambling problem.
Gambling Support Counsellor for the Finn Valley area, Gertrude Houton, told the meeting gambling addiction comes in many forms, and, frighteningly, people do not even need to get out bed in the morning to place a bet, such is the prevalence of online gambling.
She said gambling includes online betting to bookies, to scratch cards and visiting casinos.
“It’s probably fair to say that most of us here have gambled at some point in our lives, whether that is the lotto or bingo. It becomes a problem once it is disruptive to the person, their family life or their working life.
“Sports gambling has really increased. Whereas before a person might have put on a bet on which team would win a match, now people can bet on the first goal scored and so on.
“People don’t even have to get out of bed to have their money spent. People would get their money on a Thursday morning and it would be gone by 10am.”
Ms Houton said there are visible signs that someone is gambling, including preoccupation, irritation and being withdrawn. But she said those in gambling addiction find it hard to come forward for help.
“They are constantly chasing to win back big losses, and they become reliant on others and often break the law. They risk losing relationships and even their job.”
Ms Houton said people with problem gambling spend on average €1,000 per month. She said those caught up in the addiction find it hard to seek help.
“A report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) last year highlighted that one in 30 adults in Ireland suffer from problem gambling.
It is still hard for people to come forward. While there is a lot of talk about gambling issues, it is still very hard for people to come forward. People are still embarrassed to admit they have a problem.”
Figures indicate that gambling addiction is more prevalent among men in the county, with women said to find it more difficult to seek the help needed.
JPC member James Trearty raised concerns that red top newspapers would often give a free €5 bet. He also asked if gambling was hereditary.
Responding, Ms Houton said that with all addictions, studies have shown that gambling is hereditary.
She said that gambling has grown exponentially from a person putting a bet on the Grand National to an oversaturation of competitions to win tractors, houses and holidays.
She said bingo is being glamorised for women and access to gambling is all to easy due to smart phone technology.
Tragically many suicides have been linked to gambling addiction, Ms Houton told the meeting.
Donegal JPC has agreed to write to relevant authorities to request additional support for the service.
For more information email gamblingsupport@dpfss.ie or telephone 0860675183 or (074) 9131245.
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