Ireland faces rising problem gambling among women
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13 Sep 2024 •
Reading time: 2 minutes The problem of pathological gambling in Ireland is growing. According to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), 130,000 adults, or one in thirty people, meet the criteria for ‘pathological gambling’. Of these, women make up a significant proportion.
Gambling stigma
The ESRI study found a sharp increase in pathological gambling among women in Ireland. In 2023, 2.9% of Irish women were affected by gambling problems, a ten-fold increase from 2019.
Despite the high number of women affected by this problem, many are reluctant to seek help due to the stigma associated with the addiction. This stigma results in a disproportionate number of women not seeking support.
The EmpowerHer network
To address this specific need, the Extern Problem Gambling Network launched the EmpowerHer programme. The network aims to provide women with a confidential and non-judgemental space to discuss their gambling problems and begin their journey towards recovery.
It offers services such as peer coaching, networking groups and confidential recovery spaces. To further support women, the network has also launched a podcast series featuring personal stories from women affected by gambling. This initiative aims to reduce the sense of isolation many women with problem gambling feel.
EmpowerHer Project Manager Claire Donegan highlighted that many women avoid seeking help for fear of being judged.
“I hope that by providing this safe and open space, we can help break down barriers and provide women with the motivation they need to take that first step towards recovery.”
Claire Donegan
A much-needed service
Barry Grant, a counsellor at the Extern Problem Gambling Network, highlighted the urgent need for the new service.
“This service is badly needed in Ireland, not only to reduce stigma, but also to encourage women to seek help.”
Barry Grant
He highlighted that only 10% of people seeking gambling support in Ireland are women, reflecting the deep-rooted stigma that prevents many from taking the first step.
A call for more awareness and regulation
ESRI warns Ireland: Underestimating the true scale of gambling problems in the country has serious implications for public health and the role gambling plays in Irish society.
Minister of State for Justice James Browne is working on long-awaited reforms to gambling regulation in the country, with the aim of creating a safer environment for all those affected by gambling problems.