A new Health Research Board (HRB) study examines 3,000 cases treated for problem gambling between 2008-2019. The research paper published recently in the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine reveals that more than 90% of cases treated were male, one third were employed and half completed second or third level education. However almost half of cases also had problem substance use. 

The analysis was based on voluntary submission of  data on problem gambling through the HRB’s National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS).  The primary purpose of the NDTRS is to capture data on problem drug and alcohol treatment.

According to Dr Mairéad O Driscoll, Chief Executive at the Health Research Board, “This analysis of data is captured from voluntary submissions to the HRBs National Drug Treatment Reporting System. However, because reporting of problem gambling to this HRB system is voluntary, we do not have a complete picture of gambling treatment in Ireland.  

Currently there is no complete national database on  gambling treatment in Ireland. A systematic approach to collecting and analysing data about people who do seek treatment for problem gambling over time would improve understanding about why people present for treatment, improve referral pathways and inform policy and planning.” 

Key findings

  • Nine-in ten cases were male
  • Just over half (53%) reported gambling as their sole problem, while 47% cases were associated with problem substance use. 
  • The most common problem drugs reported alongside gambling were alcohol (86%), followed by cannabis (32%), cocaine (28%) and benzodiazepines (11%). 
  • Half of cases had started to gamble before the age of 17.  The median age entering  treatment was 34 years.
  • Just over one in three of the cases were employed and more than half had completed second or third level education
  • The majority (86%) lived in stable accommodation 
  • One-in-five lived with dependent children

According to Dr Suzi Lyons, Senior Researcher at the Health Research Board and co-author of the report: 
“When we look at cases presenting for treatment two distinct profiles emerge: those who presented for gambling only and those who presented with gambling and associated problem drug use. 

Cases who required treatment for gambling only were more likely to be in employment, have completed secondary or third level education and be living with dependent children. They were more likely to receive outpatient treatment and be referred by GPs or health professionals. 

Cases with associated problem drug or alcohol use were more likely to have left school early, be unemployed and one-in-ten are likely to be homeless. They are more likely to attend inpatient services and be referred by another drug treatment service, outreach worker or the legal system. 

The correlation between problem gambling and harmful alcohol or drug use is a genuine concern as the presence of substance use disorders can complicate treatment outcomes.”

Treatment provision

  • Self-referral (46%) was the most common referral pathway, while 20% of referrals were from family/friends.
  • The majority (56%) had inpatient treatment, followed by outpatient treatment (39%)

Commenting on treatment provision, Dr Suzi Lyons says: “We know from other research that the number of people with problem gambling who seek treatment is low and considerably more people could benefit from treatment. 
Early intervention, screening and detection by health professionals has been shown to be effective in reducing gambling related behaviour. Data that we routinely collect through the HRB’s National Drug Treatment Reporting System has the potential provide have a better understanding of the treatment needs, barriers to treatment and treatment outcomes in relation to problem gambling.”

Read the full article on gambling treatment