New data has shown gambling-related harm is higher in Northern Ireland than any other part of the UK.
The figures come as a gambling harm charity releases a new initiative aimed at tackling problem gambling in the north.
Figures released by NISRA and the Department for Communities earlier this month show one in 20 adults (5%) were considered to be a ‘moderate risk gambler’, while 3% were considered to be a ‘problem gambler’. These groups are considered to experience at least some negative consequences from their gambling, with problem gamblers also experiencing a possible loss of control.
Among the other points noted in the data, just under three-fifths of adults (57%) in the north said they had gambled in the last 12 months, continuing the decreasing trend between the 2010 and 2016 surveys.
The majority of adults (88%) were considered to be a ‘non-problem gambler’.
‘Tickets for National Lottery draws’ was the most popular gambling type in 2024 with more than a third (35%) of adults reporting that they had purchased tickets in the last 12 months.
On Tuesday a new initiative was launched at Stormont by a gambling charity which works directly with people who have been affected by gambling addiction.
Chapter One was developed by Gambling with Lives, the charity founded in 2018 by families bereaved by gambling suicide provides information, training and support for everyone affected by gambling, and training for professionals.
It includes a ten-point plan for gambling harm prevention in the north, including proposals to introduce mandatory gambling education, training for GPS and frontline professionals and better access to self-help tools.
Declan Cregan, Training Officer at Chapter One and formerly addicted to gambling, said Northern Ireland has been “left behind when it comes to helping people affected by gambling harm”.
“Most people are left without adequate advice, support or treatment,” Mr Cregan said.
“As someone with lived experience of gambling harm, I know how isolating and overwhelming it can feel. We’re here to show people they’re not alone, and that there is hope and help available. No one should be left behind.
“That’s why we’re launching Chapter One here – to make sure people know the truth about gambling harms, and to ensure that support, guidance and education are available to everyone who needs it, building on the preventative work we’ve been doing here for a number of years.”
Philip McGuigan MLA, Chair of The All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling, attended the launch and has previously spoken about his own issues with gambling addiction.
“Thousands of people in the north of Ireland are negatively impacted by gambling, either by their own addiction or that of someone close to them,” Mr McGuigan said.
“However, only a fraction of those experiencing harm are accessing support services. Chapter One is informed and led by people with lived experience of gambling harms and will provide people here with the information and support they deserve.”