Ireland report calls for stronger gambling harm action

Ireland is entering a pivotal stage in how it addresses gambling-related harm, with a new report shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals, families, service providers, and communities affected by gambling. The report, published jointly by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) and Pobal, is based on extensive consultation with more than 200 stakeholders. It provides evidence of service gaps, highlights investment priorities, and stresses the urgent need for a coordinated national framework.

The findings are expected to shape the development of Ireland’s Social Impact Fund, a new initiative designed to channel resources into prevention, treatment, research, and long-term support. With gambling emerging as both a popular pastime and a source of significant harm for certain groups, the report sets out the scale of the issue and underscores the shared responsibility of regulators, operators, and society at large.

Background to the consultation

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was established to oversee the country’s rapidly evolving gambling sector. Its mandate includes ensuring fair practices, safeguarding consumers, and addressing the social impacts of gambling. To support this mission, GRAI has partnered with Pobal, a state agency that manages funding and resources for social inclusion programs, to carry out a National Stakeholder Consultation.

The purpose of the consultation was to gather insights directly from people and organizations with knowledge and experience of gambling-related harm. Stakeholders ranged from those with lived experience of gambling addiction to family members, treatment providers, non-governmental organizations, academics, and researchers. The consultation also welcomed the views of community representatives and advocacy groups, ensuring that the report reflects a broad and inclusive set of perspectives.

The scale of gambling-related harm in Ireland

The report reveals the far-reaching consequences of gambling. More than 80% of respondents to the consultation questionnaire said that gambling had led to “significant financial difficulties” in their lives. This finding highlights the financial vulnerability that often accompanies gambling harm, with many individuals facing debts, loss of savings, or inability to meet essential living costs.

Beyond financial hardship, participants emphasized emotional, psychological, and social impacts. Families frequently bear the burden, with partners, children, and wider communities affected by stress, relationship breakdown, and instability. Stigma continues to play a powerful role, discouraging individuals from seeking help. For many, the fear of being judged or misunderstood prevents early intervention, prolonging harm and making recovery more difficult.

Barriers to effective support

Stakeholders repeatedly underlined that while services exist in Ireland, they are unevenly distributed and underfunded. Access to treatment and counselling often depends on where a person lives, with rural areas in particular reporting gaps in service availability. Referral pathways were described as “unclear,” leaving many individuals uncertain about where to turn for help.

A lack of awareness campaigns was also identified as a barrier. Many participants felt that the public still lacks accurate information about gambling-related harm, its signs, and the supports available. This lack of knowledge is compounded by the stigma surrounding gambling addiction, which continues to be perceived differently from other forms of addiction, such as alcohol or drugs.

One participant in the focus groups observed: “Self-exclusion was absolutely missing at the time but hugely important for reducing harm.” This comment captures the frustration that individuals have felt when harm-reduction tools are not readily accessible or widely promoted.

Service gaps and the need for a national framework

The report highlights the absence of a coordinated, national framework to address gambling harm in Ireland. While some services have developed local expertise and community networks, there is no unified system that ensures consistency across regions. Without national standards or oversight, the quality and availability of services vary considerably.

Stakeholders called for a comprehensive infrastructure that would:

• Ensure timely access to treatment and counselling across the country.
• Provide consistent aftercare services to support long-term recovery.
• Strengthen family and peer support networks.
• Train and accredit a professional workforce specializing in gambling harm.

Such a framework, they argued, would not only improve outcomes for individuals but also provide clarity and accountability in the use of public resources.

Shared responsibility in addressing gambling harm

The report makes clear that responsibility for tackling gambling harm does not lie with a single group. Instead, it is shared across multiple actors, including regulators, licensed operators, service providers, families, and individuals.

Regulators are tasked with ensuring that gambling is conducted responsibly and fairly, while operators are expected to adhere to strict standards that prioritize consumer safety. Treatment providers and NGOs play a critical role in delivering services, while families often act as first responders, recognizing early warning signs and encouraging loved ones to seek help.

This shared responsibility requires better coordination, communication, and partnership. The consultation findings suggest that the establishment of the Social Impact Fund offers a unique opportunity to build such partnerships and to ensure that resources are allocated effectively.

Priority areas for investment

Stakeholders identified several key areas where investment is urgently needed. These include:

Public awareness and prevention

Campaigns to raise awareness about gambling harm, reduce stigma, and promote early help-seeking were seen as essential. Prevention initiatives in schools, workplaces, and communities were also recommended.

Access to treatment and counselling

Ensuring that treatment services are available nationwide, with shorter waiting times and clear referral pathways, was a major priority. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of specialized treatment tailored to gambling harm.

Aftercare and long-term support

Recovery from gambling harm is not a short-term process. Participants called for consistent aftercare, including peer support groups, mentoring programs, and family counselling.

Workforce development

A skilled and accredited workforce is necessary to deliver effective treatment and support. Training programs and professional accreditation were seen as crucial steps toward building capacity.

The role of the Social Impact Fund

The Social Impact Fund is expected to play a central role in financing the initiatives identified through the consultation. Contributions to the fund will come from licensed gambling operators through annual statutory payments.

This funding model is intended to ensure that those who benefit commercially from gambling also contribute to addressing its social costs. The report emphasizes that transparent management of the fund will be essential to maintain public trust and ensure accountability.

The current report represents the first stage in shaping the fund’s investment strategy. A broader public consultation is planned, which will invite views on how contributions should be allocated and monitored.

Looking ahead

Ireland stands at a crossroads in its approach to gambling regulation and harm reduction. The publication of this report represents a critical step toward building a national response that is evidence-based, coordinated, and sustainable.

Stakeholders have made it clear that piecemeal efforts will not be enough. Instead, what is required is a systemic shift that acknowledges the seriousness of gambling-related harm and commits to addressing it through prevention, treatment, support, and accountability.

The findings of the consultation provide a roadmap for action. The challenge now will be to translate these insights into concrete policies, programs, and investments that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Conclusion

The report by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland and Pobal has brought together diverse voices to highlight the urgent need for coordinated action on gambling harm. With more than 200 stakeholders contributing their experiences and expertise, the message is clear: Ireland must prioritize a national framework, invest in prevention and treatment, and build a robust infrastructure to protect individuals and families from the harms of gambling.

The Social Impact Fund offers a promising vehicle for achieving these goals. Its success, however, will depend on transparent governance, sustained investment, and continued collaboration across sectors. As Ireland moves forward, the lessons of this consultation will remain vital in shaping a safer and more responsible gambling environment.

FAQs

What is the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI)?
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is the national body responsible for overseeing gambling regulation, ensuring fairness, consumer protection, and addressing gambling harm.

Why was this consultation carried out?
The consultation aimed to gather insights from stakeholders with experience of gambling harm, helping to guide the development of the Social Impact Fund.

Who participated in the consultation?
More than 200 stakeholders took part, including individuals with lived experience of gambling harm, family members, NGOs, treatment providers, and researchers.

What were the main findings of the report?
The report identified significant financial difficulties caused by gambling, barriers to accessing support, service gaps, and the need for a national framework.

What is the Social Impact Fund?
The Social Impact Fund is a new initiative financed by contributions from licensed gambling operators, designed to fund prevention, treatment, research, and support services.

What are the priority investment areas identified?
Key areas include awareness campaigns, improved access to treatment, aftercare, family support, and professional workforce development.

How will the Social Impact Fund be managed?
The fund will be supported by statutory contributions from licensed operators and is expected to be managed transparently to maintain public trust.

Why is stigma a barrier to recovery?
Stigma prevents individuals from seeking help early, as they may fear judgment or misunderstanding, which prolongs harm and delays recovery.

What role do families play in gambling harm recovery?
Families often recognize early warning signs, provide support, and encourage individuals to seek treatment, making them central to the recovery process.

What are the next steps following the report?
A broader public consultation will take place, focusing on the design of the Social Impact Fund and the allocation of contributions from gambling operators.